Does Transhumeral Osseointegration After Amputation Improve Patient-reported Outcomes and Prosthesis Use?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Transhumeral amputations often lead to dissatisfaction with conventional prostheses.
• Osseointegration offers a direct bone-to-implant attachment, potentially improving function and quality of life.
• The risks versus benefits of transdermal bone-anchored implants require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient-reported outcomes 2 years after transhumeral osseointegration.
• To assess the frequency and severity of complications associated with osseointegration procedures.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, observational study of 12 patients undergoing transhumeral osseointegration with the OPRA implant system.
• Patients completed DASH, DVPRS, and PROMIS questionnaires pre-surgery and at 2-year follow-up.
• Complications, including soft tissue, mechanical, and infectious, were recorded.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in DASH scores (36 to 19) and prosthetic use (4 to 7 days/week) were observed.
• No significant changes in physical function, pain interference, or pain behavior scores.
• Minor complications included two soft tissue, two mechanical, and one skin penetration; none required reoperation.

Conclusions:

• Transhumeral osseointegration using the OPRA system demonstrates promising results for limb loss patients.
• Complications were minor and treatable, with no infections reported.
• The procedure shows potential for improving quality of life in transhumeral amputees.