Bone-Anchored Limbs (BAL, i.e., osseointegrated prostheses) are a promising alternative to socket-suspended prostheses for the third of individuals who abandon their prosthesis due to dissatisfaction. Early evidence has shown greater satisfaction and quality of life, reduced disability, and improved physical activity, balance, osseoperception, and biomechanics. We believe that BAL have the potential to radically improve the quality of life and mobility in individuals suffering from severe socket-related issues.
The University of Colorado Limb Restoration Program is an interdisciplinary collaboration of experts that is unique in its comprehensive approach to state-of-the-art care. It is one of the leading centers for osseointegration implant procedures worldwide, combining the talents of many specialists and sub-specialists located at the Anschutz Medical Campus. We are partnered with the Bone-Anchored Limb Research Group (BALRG) to lead the United States in clinical research across the translational research spectrum, from preclinical feasibility to population outcomes. Together, our mission is to advance clinical research knowledge regarding the process of osseointegration surgery and rehabilitation and to perform impactful, translational research that can improve the lives of patients.
In this symposium on clinical care and updated outcomes in BAL, team members from across the patient care pipeline will share their insights on their roles providing a patient-centered and evidence-based approach to BAL care. We will discuss how patient feedback guides our research and how our research feeds back into our patient care. Finally, we will host an open dialogue with symposium attendees about the challenges and opportunities of providing patients with BAL.
Statement of the objective / learning objectives
Attendees will learn about the clinical care after osseointegration, prosthetic prescription and alignment considerations for patients with bone-anchored limbs, and updated evidence for the benefits of bone-anchored limbs for patients dissatisfied with socket-suspended prostheses.