Der Unfallchirurg
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Intramedullary, bone-anchored (osseointegrated), transcutaneous docking of artificial limbs has been in clinical use for more than 25 years. This system of prosthetic limb attachment is a valuable treatment option in the rehabilitation of patients after limb amputation. ⋯ There are also reservations among institutions responsible for exoprosthetic treatment. Ultimately, the advantages and disadvantages of this treatment procedure must be explained in detail to the patients themselves in order to reduce fears and concerns and to be able to bring the overstretched expectations back to reality.
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Osseointegration has emerged over the past two decades as a dramatically different approach for the treatment of lower limb amputations, which involves direct attachment of the prosthesis to the skeletal residuum. This approach can address many of the socket-interface issues associated with socket prostheses which represent the current standard of care for amputees. The Osseointegrated Prosthetic Limb (OPL) is an osseointegration implant with a new design and improved features compared to other available implant systems. ⋯ The results demonstrate that osseointegration surgery using the OPL is a relatively safe and effective procedure for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of lower limb amputees.
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Review Case Reports
The Compress® transcutaneous implant for rehabilitation following limb amputation.
Amputation is an unfortunate outcome of a variety of orthopedic conditions. Many amputees can be functionally fitted with conventional suspension sockets. A substantial subset, however, fails this conventional treatment and is unable to function. ⋯ We have recently adopted this device for transcutaneous use. These procedures have been performed in the United States on a custom regulatory basis. Results of this have been encouraging, and we are planning to begin a regulatory trial in the near future.
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Review
Osseointegrated prostheses for rehabilitation following amputation : The pioneering Swedish model.
The direct attachment of osseointegrated (OI) prostheses to the skeleton avoids the inherent problems of socket suspension. It also provides physiological weight bearing, improved range of motion in the proximal joint, as well as osseoperceptive sensory feedback, enabling better control of the artificial limbs by amputees. The present article briefly reviews the pioneering efforts on extremity osseointegration surgeries in Sweden and the development of the OPRA (Osseointegrated Prostheses for the Rehabilitation of Amputees) program. ⋯ The results of long-term follow-up for transradial, transhumeral, and thumb amputee operations are briefly reported including the prospective study of transfemoral amputees according to OPRA protocol. The importance of refinement on implant designs and surgical techniques based on the biomechanical analysis and early clinical trials is emphasized. Future aspects on osseointegration surgery are briefly described, including novel treatment options using implanted electrodes.
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There is an ongoing discussion about demographic change, a possible lack of young doctors and its impact on the healthcare system in Germany. Up to now, no valid data has been available on the exact numbers of residents in orthopedics and trauma surgery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the actual number of residents in Germany in 2013/2014. ⋯ Looking at the expected number of doctors who will retire within the next five years, there seems to be enough young doctors to fill the gap. However, by 2040, an increased demand for othopedic and trauma surgeons is experted. Thus, we recommend centrally analyzing and coordinating the demand of residents in orthopedics and trauma surgery in Germany.