Patient Evaluation Process, Am I A Candidate?

The University of Colorado Limb Restoration Program begins with patient evaluation. The evaluation process begins with a clinical pre-screening with our Osseointegration Program Coordinator at UCHealth to determine if you are a candidate for osseointegration surgery.

Based on these findings, the next step is an in-person visit to the University of Colorado Anschutz Campus (located in Denver, Colorado) to meet with our interdisciplinary team for a comprehensive evaluation.

At this appointment, we review your history, examine your limb and current prosthesis, address medical concerns, and discuss your personal goals surrounding osseointegration. Depending on your needs, you may also meet with providers specializing in wound care, plastic surgery, foot & ankle care, interventional radiology, medical oncology, rehabilitation medicine, prosthetics, infectious disease, gait analysis, vascular medicine, or musculoskeletal oncology. Click here to learn more about the multidisciplinary members of the Limb Restoration Program team.

After selection, we outline a personalized plan to optimize the health of each candidate. We continue to work in close partnership with your primary care physician, prosthetist's office, and physical therapist.

Osseointegration Surgery & Post-Surgery Recovery

Dr. Stoneback will perform osseointegration surgery in either one or two stages depending on the location of amputation, implant system, and individual needs. Six weeks must go by between the first surgery and physical therapy in order to allow the implant to integrate with the bone.

At approximately six weeks following the stage one procedure, our patients begin guided group rehabilitation with Physical Therapists who are extensively trained in osseointegration rehabilitation. Following several weeks of intensive gait training foundation and prosthetic adjustments, our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physicians work closely with your local Physical Therapist and Prosthetist so they may continue to safely progress in strength and functionality. 

What are the risks of osseointegration surgery?

Every surgical procedure has some risks. The risk of complication is low but can include implant loosening, fracture, or infection.

In case of a serious fall, the connection between the osseointegrated implant and the prosthesis will automatically disconnect – similar to how ski boots disconnect from skis during a fall.