Osseointegration

Osseointegration of the limb is a surgical procedure used for the permanent placement of artificial limbs connected to the human skeleton. A metal implant is inserted into the amputated extremity bone. The connector passes through the skin and attaches to the prosthesis.

The expertise you need is at UCHealth.

You can rely on our nationally-ranked Orthopedics program.

Our ranking as one of the nation’s top orthopedics programs by U.S. News & World Report is proof that we deliver a level of care that’s unmatched in Colorado. UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital has been ranked the #1 hospital in Colorado 7 years running.

We perform minimally invasive techniques and outpatient procedures whenever possible, but should you need surgery, our experienced team performs more than 4,000 a year.

Working in the productive environment of an academic medical center, our fellowship-trained physicians use the most advanced treatments and technologies to create a pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to orthopedic care.

About osseointegration (OI)

Candidates for osseointegration: if you have

  • Difficulty walking, standing, or sitting with your prosthesis socket
  • Pain or irritation such as sores and chaffing with your prosthesis socket
  • Sudden loosening or fitting-problems

Benefits of osseointegration

  • Better stability standing or walking
  • Improved quality of life
  • Less pain or irritation experienced with socket prosthesis such as sores, chaffing, or sweating
  • Longer walking distances and better sitting comfort
  • Osseoperception: a more natural feeling; the ability to sense or feel the prosthesis​​

Osseointegration process

The evaluation process begins with a clinical pre-screening to determine if you are a candidate for surgery. In-person screening and testing is scheduled based on pre-screening outcomes. After candidate selection, additional baseline testing is planned and you may be sent home with pre-habilitation exercises to improve your strength or flexibility.

Our specialists have a variety of device or implant types that can be used for osseointegration. They perform single stage and two stage procedures. These stages will be discussed at more length during your visit with the surgical team. Implant type, bone quality, and various other factors will help determine the best technique and implant for you.

Rehabilitation

A well-designed rehabilitation program plays an essential role in osseointegration success.

You will meet with our Physical Medicine and Rehab team at your initial consult and again preoperatively. Rehabilitation is individualized and you can expect three weeks of physical therapy with our team following osseointegration. Once home, we will work with your local physical therapist to ensure post-operative plans are executed.​

Osseointegration pre-screening questionnaire

Thank you for your interest in our Osseointegration (OI) program.

We are excited to learn more about you! Due to high call volume, we ask that you please complete and submit our pre-screening questionnaire, available via this button link:

Please return to [email protected].

After we receive your completed form, our OI coordinator will call you to schedule a time to learn more about you and answer any questions you may have.

References

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI): National Library of Medicine. Osseointegration (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4439679/)

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI): National Library of Medicine. Osseointegration: An Update (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3602536/)