Osseointegration is a surgical procedure that aims to offer better quality of life and improved function and mobility to people who have had an amputation. Surgery involves inserting a metal implant into the bone of a residual limb, which then attaches directly to a prosthesis, eliminating socket-related issues. Surgery can be performed in one or two stages, depending on the implant system.

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Why Choose Johns Hopkins | Our Experts

• The Johns Hopkins Hospital, one of the few locations in the country that offers this innovative procedure, provides a full spectrum of care from evaluation to post-surgical rehabilitation.
• Our multidisciplinary team includes experts in orthopaedics, plastic surgery, prosthetics, rehabilitation and other fields who work together to guide you through each step of the process.
• We offer osseointegration to a wide range of thigh, leg and arm amputee patients. Our clinic even offers this procedure to patients with bilateral (both limbs) amputations.
• Three types of osseointegration implant systems are currently available in the U.S.: Swedish, Australian and U.S. implants. Our expert team has training in all three and can help you determine which option is right for you.

Benefits of Osseointegration

• Osseointegration eliminates the need for a socket, solving common prosthetic issues such as excessive sweating, pain, pressure, chafing and skin sores.
• Because the implant attaches directly to the bone, it provides improved osseoperception — the ability to sense the world through the limb, and osseoproprioception — the ability to sense where the prosthesis is without looking at it. Patients report being able to distinguish between different types of terrain with their prosthesis.
• Osseointegration allows for bone and muscle mass in the residual limbs to slowly increase, as the bone and muscles are being actively used. As you get stronger, mobility increases as well.
• The nature of the implant allows for improved range of motion when compared with traditional prostheses. As a result, the gait becomes more natural and you can sit more comfortably.