Outcome of Percutaneous Osseointegrated Prostheses for Patients With Unilateral Transfemoral Amputation at Two-Year Follow-Up

ObjectiveTo report outcomes regarding general and specific physical health-related quality of life of treatment with percutaneous osseointegrated prostheses.DesignProspective 2-year case-control study.SettingUniversity hospital.ParticipantsIndividuals (N=39; mean age, 44±12.4y) with unilateral transfemoral amputation as a result of trauma (n=23), tumor (n=11), or other cause (n=5). At baseline, 33 of the 39 participants used socket-suspended prostheses.InterventionOsseointegrated prosthesis.Main Outcome MeasuresQuestionnaire for Persons with Transfemoral Amputation (Q-TFA), Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical functioning (PF) and physical component summary (PCS), SF-6D, and Physiological Cost Index (PCI).ResultsAt 2 years postimplantation, 6 of 7 Q-TFA scores improved (P<.0001) compared with baseline (prosthetic use, mobility, problem, global, capability, walking habits). The walking aid subscore did not improve (P=.327). Of the 39 participants, increased prosthesis use was reported by 26, same amount of use by 11, and less use by 2. Improvement was reported in 16 of the 30 separate problem items (P<.05). Unchanged items included problems regarding phantom limb pain and pain from the back, shoulders, and contralateral limb. The PF, PCS, and SF-6D improved a mean of 24.1±21.4 (P<.0001), 8.5±9.7 (P<.0001), and .039±.11 (P=.007) points, respectively. Walking energy cost decreased (mean PCI at baseline, .749; mean PCI at follow-up, .61; P<.0001).ConclusionsTwo years after intervention, patients with a unilateral TFA treated with an OPRA implant showed important improvements in prosthetic function and physical quality of life. However, walking aids used and the presence of phantom limb pain and pain in other extremities were unchanged. This information is valuable when considering whether percutaneous osseointegrated prostheses are a relevant treatment option.