A group of researchers from Sweden have conducted a prospective two-year case-control study to examine the outcome of percutaneous osseointegrated (OI) prostheses for patients with unilateral transfemoral amputations. The study cohort comprised 39 patients who were treated with the Integrum OPRA (Osseointegrated Prostheses for the Rehabilitation of Amputees) implant system. The patients had a mean age of 44 years; 23 had undergone a unilateral transfemoral amputation due to trauma, 11 due to a tumor, and five due to other causes. At baseline, 33 used socket-suspended prostheses. The outcome measures used included the Questionnaire for Individuals with Transfemoral Amputation (Q-TFA), SF-36 Physical Function (PF) and Physical Component Scores (PCS), SF-6D health survey, and the Physiological Cost Index (PCI).
The researchers found that two years post intervention, patients with a unilateral transfemoral amputation treated with an OPRA implant showed improvements in prosthetic function and physical quality of life. However, walking aids used and the presence of phantom limb pain and pain from the back, shoulders, and contralateral limb were unchanged. This information is valuable when considering whether a percutaneous OI prosthesis is a relevant treatment option, the researchers said.
The study was published online July 23 in the journal Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
