Three Benefits to Osseointegration

Artificial Prosthesis

With the use of prosthetics, those who lost a limb due to trauma, disease, or birth defect can carry on a normal life. There are different kinds of prosthetics and each have their own advantages, whether it’s created only for the appearance or has functions similar to the limb it’s replacing. We at Human Technology Prosthetics & Orthotics are here to list some advantages of osseointegration if you’re deciding among the types of prosthetics in Memphis, TN.

No Socket

With a traditional prosthetic that requires a socket to bond the implant to bone, many amputees have experienced discomfort, heat, and chafing at the site. Osseointegration, however, establishes a direct connection between the implant and living bone. The titanium screw, known as the fixture, is surgically embedded into bone and is integrated with it over a period of time so no socket is needed for anchorage. Its extension, or abutment, is attached to the fixture and can be inserted and removed easily. The fixture pulls at the distal end of the bone, limiting the movement of skin at the bolt site and barring bacteria from entering. This integration also means that the prosthetic is fitted correctly and firmly to the amputee.

Osseoperception

Osseointegration introduces the concept of osseoperception, the feeling of a more natural sensation of a prosthetic limb. Many amputees who have undergone this procedure reported that they are able to “sense” the prosthesis better than its competitors.

Lifelike Motion

Some of the many problems with traditional prostheses reported are restricted movement, discomfort while seated, and being too heavy to wield. But prosthetics installed by osseointegration are built with fewer components, thus having a simple frame design and lightweight feel. They also provide better control, extension, and suspension to perform normal daily activities such as working out and walking down a flight of stairs.

Safety Feature

Accidents are bound to happen and in the event of falling you could run the risk of breaking your prosthetic in the process. The abutment is equipped with a failsafe feature that releases itself to prevent bone fractures and excessive weight on the implant.