Improving quality of life for transfemoral amputees: results from a two-year study of the OPRA implant system and rehabilitation protocol.

PURPOSE: Transfemoral amputees face significant functional limitations with traditional socket prostheses. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of the OPRA (Osseointegrated Prostheses for the Rehabilitation of Amputees) implant system in improving the quality of life for these patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 22 transfemoral amputees (20 male, 2 female; mean age 44.6 years) who underwent OPRA implant surgery between 2019 and 2021. Patients were assessed preoperatively and followed for two years post-surgery. Outcomes were measured using the Questionnaire for Persons with a Transfemoral Amputation (Q-TFA), pain scores, and complication rates.

RESULTS

At two-year follow-up, significant improvements were observed in Q-TFA scores for prosthetic use (30.41 ± 10.90 to 87.68 ± 11.42, p < 0.001), mobility (44.36 ± 15.57 to 71.45 ± 13.72, p < 0.001), problem score (52.40 ± 10.22 to 25.81 ± 9.66, p < 0.001), and global score (43.45 ± 10.87 to 74.95 ± 21.82, p < 0.001). Mean daily prosthesis usage increased from 3.77 ± 2.59 to 13.43 ± 3.76 h (p < 0.001). Complications included minor discharge (67.5%), significant discharge requiring surgical intervention (13.6%), prosthesis removal (9%), and periprosthetic fracture (4.5%).

CONCLUSION

The OPRA implant system significantly improved functional outcomes and quality of life for transfemoral amputees over two years. While complication rates were notable, most were manageable with conservative treatment. These findings suggest that osseointegrated prostheses offer a promising alternative to socket prostheses for suitable candidates, though further research with larger cohorts is warranted to confirm long-term efficacy and safety.