Frequenty asked questions

You are eligible for an osseointegration (click) prosthesis if at least 2 of the following statements are answered affirmatively.

  • Prosthesis use: less than 50 hours per week
  • Maximum continuous walking distance with prosthesis: less than 2 kilometres
  • Release of the prosthesis at least once a week during daily activities
  • Blisters, abrasions, pressure spots, and inflammation due to the socket
  • reduced sitting comfort
  • excessive perspiration in the socket in summer

 

Most people who receive an osseointegration prosthesis have weak bone. By wearing a socket prosthesis, the bone and muscles are not stressed. The muscles diminish and the bone becomes thinner and weaker. With an osseointegration prosthesis, the bone regains normal load and the muscles regain strength.

Your GP (or rehabilitation doctor) plays an important role in the treatment process because in order to get reimbursed for care covered by the basic package, you need a referral letter from your GP or rehabilitation doctor. We actually always ask you to mail this letter to us or bring it with you on your first appointment. If you do not have this referral letter at your first visit, we cannot provide the treatment as reimbursed care. The care can then only take place as so-called non-reimbursed care.

You can, for example, cycle, swim (sea/swimming pool), sauna, drive, hike and exercise. What is discouraged are so-called impact sports such as martial arts, football, and skiing.

Especially in the early years, running is not recommended. This is because running puts 8 times the body weight on the implant with each step.

The stump and around the stoma is warm, red and irritated (sometimes accompanied by elevation). Pus may come out of the stoma.

This can vary from one individual to another. In some, the phantom pain disappears, in others who did not have phantom pain now have phantom pain.

Implant (Surgeon): It is unknown how long the titanium implant will last. If a severe infection of the bone occurs and a loosening of the implant in the bone occurs, the implant can be removed and, if necessary, a new implant can be fitted.

Connector (Orthopaedic instrument maker): You attach the prosthesis with the connector. Depending on the intensity/use, it needs to be replaced in due course.

How does the surgery go?

The animation below shows osseointegration surgery after upper leg amputation.

Benefits and risks

  • Improved prosthesis control and greater stability (safety)
  • Prosthesis wearing time increases significantly
  • Walking requires less energy
  • "Prosthetic feel" (better ground contact)
  • Prosthesis always fits
  • Better sitting comfort
  • The prosthesis does not come loose while sitting/walking/cycling
  • The prosthesis is easy to put on and take off
  • No perspiration problems in summer
  • Shower standing up
  • The stoma must be cleaned twice daily
  • No contact sports, running or skiing
  • Risk of irritations and infections on/in the stoma
jeff
"

Now I can walk without pain…. and I'm enjoying life!

Lees Jeff’s verhaal
Veronique
"

Osseointegration has returned my freedom

Lees Veronique’s verhaal
Dicky de Best ervaringsdeskundige

Do you have any questions or do
you want to sign up?

You can register directly for an intake interview. Do you still have questions? Then look through the frequently asked questions or ask your question to one of our specialists.