Recognize the signs: when is osseointegration treatment the right step?
It is important to be alert to recurring complaints or discomfort. Common signs include:
– Pain or irritation on the stump, especially with prolonged use of the socket prosthesis.
– Sweating and skin problems due to the closed environment of the socket.
– Limited movement or a feeling of being less stable while walking.
– Pressure points or wounds that keep recurring.
– Problems with the fit of the prosthesis, for example, after weight changes or fluctuations in the stump’s volume.
If these complaints persist, even after adjustments to your socket prosthesis, osseointegration treatment may be a valuable alternative.
What is osseointegration?
With osseointegration, an implant is placed directly into the bone, onto which the prosthesis clicks. This eliminates the need for a socket prosthesis. The implant forms a natural connection between your body and the prosthesis, providing greater stability, comfort, and freedom of movement.
The benefits of osseointegration
Patients who choose osseointegration often experience:
– Increased comfort – no more constricting sockets and fewer skin problems.
– Improved freedom of movement – because the prosthesis is directly attached to the skeleton, walking feels more natural.
– Increased control and balance – you have a better sense of what’s happening beneath you, which provides greater stability.
– Easier to put on and take off the prosthesis.
– Improved quality of life – both physically and mentally.
Another important advantage is that osseointegration is covered by basic health insurance in most cases. The specialists at AOFE Clinics are happy to help you with the reimbursement and indication process.
Not everyone qualifies
Although osseointegration is a groundbreaking solution, the treatment is not suitable for everyone.
People with the following health factors are generally not eligible:
– Smokers
– People with a BMI higher than 30 (severely overweight/obese)
– People with severe diabetes mellitus (such as in kidney failure, nerve disorders, or eye disorders)
– People with severe peripheral vascular disease
This is because these factors affect wound healing and the risk of complications. During the preliminary phase, the AOFE Clinics team always carefully assesses whether osseointegration is a safe and appropriate treatment.
Seek advice from the specialists at AOFE Clinics
Do you experience persistent complaints with your current prosthesis and are you unsure whether osseointegration is right for you? AOFE Clinics employs experienced specialists who have helped hundreds of patients achieve a more pain-free, active, and independent life. Together, we’ll determine if you’re a candidate for this innovative treatment. Schedule a appointment for a free consultation and discover what osseointegration can do for you.
