Osseointegration for Lower-Extremity Amputees: Operative Considerations from the Plastic Surgeon's Perspective

Abstract

➢: Osseointegration for lower-extremity amputees, while increasing in frequency, remains in its relative infancy compared with traditional socket-based prostheses.

➢: Ideal candidates for osseointegration have documented failure of a traditional prosthesis and should be skeletally mature, have adequate bone stock, demonstrate an ability to adhere to a longitudinal rehabilitation protocol, and be in an otherwise good state of health.

➢: Lowering the reoperation rate for soft-tissue complications depends heavily on surgical technique and on the implant device itself; the current gold standard involves a smooth implant surface for dermal contact as well as maximal skin resection to prevent skin breakdown against the prosthesis. This may include the need for thighplasty to optimize skin reduction.

➢: Interdisciplinary peripheral nerve management, such as targeted muscle reinnervation, performed in tandem with a plastic surgery team can treat existing and prevent future symptomatic neuromas, ultimately improving pain outcomes.