Osseointegration: The Future of Artificial Limb Implants for Amputees
What is amputation?
Amputation is defined as surgical removal or loss of a body part such as arms or limbs in part or full. There are over 1 million limb amputations globally every year, that’s one every 30 seconds.
Causes of limb loss
The most common causes of limb loss are vascular disease (54%) and trauma (45%). Traumatic amputations are most often caused by motor vehicle accidents, followed by work-related accidents and accidents involving machinery.
How can prosthetics help
Traditionally, amputees are provided with mechanical prosthetic sockets fitted to the residual limb. Over the years these have become more advanced, lightweight, durable and comfortable. However, a new (ish) technology is set to revolutionise the world of prosthetics.
What is osseointegration?
Osseointegration (also known as Direct Skeletal Fixation) involves inserting a prosthetic titanium implant into the residual bone of an amputee. Over time bone grows around the implant, accepting it as part of the body creating a permanent anchor to which a prothesis can be attached. As the prothesis is directly attached to the bone, the wearer has a seamless experience when using it; it feels like a natural part of their body.
Osseointegration was originally used in dentistry for implants and over time its use extended to joint replacement surgeries and more recently to amputation surgeries. It is not available to child amputees as the implant cannot be fitted to bones which have not yet reached skeletal maturity.
Benefits of osseointegration
Osseointegration has multiple benefits including:
- No more sockets
- Easy attachment
- Improved mobility and gait
- Direct control over the prothesis by the wearer and
- A faster rehabilitation than conventional prosthetics
Risks
Of course, there will always be risks to any procedure. For osseointegration, these could be infection around the implant and implant or bone failure.
As osseointegration is becoming more popular and successful, claims for the procedure and its associated costs are being seen in personal injury claims. In the UK, the surgery itself can cost up to £80,000 plus the costs of aftercare, monitoring and rehabilitation. Careful analysis of the benefit of the surgery to the Claimant is needed from an expert. If it is suitable for the Claimant in question, an astute Defendant should agree to the cost on the basis that a successful procedure will enable a Claimant to work longer and require less care and assistance, thereby reducing the compensation payable by the Defendant.
Limbless Association
On 29 September 2025 I will be attending a presentation at the London Prosthetics Centre (LPC) on Upper Limb Osseointegration. In May 2025 the LPC opened a new state of the art centre where it will provide treatments, onsite manufacturing workshop and other facilities aimed at making the amputee’s journey as welcoming as possible. I am looking forward to seeing the new centre.
LCP partners with the Limbless Association supporting the charity with Lunch and Learn sessions for amputees. These sessions are invaluable for amputees and an opportunity to learn from others and share their own stories. I will shortly be attending a Limbless Association event in Stevenage. This will be my first visit to them as I have recently joined Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors. Having had a lower limb amputee in my family (my father) I am keen to find out what experiences amputees have of everyday life, and how this differed from what my father experienced. Unfortunately, for him, he did not have the benefit of support from the Limbless Associations.
If you or a loved one has experienced limb loss and are considering advanced prosthetic options such as osseointegration, it’s important to understand the medical, practical, and financial implications. Our Amputation solicitors can help you explore treatment choices and secure the right support for your rehabilitation and future independence. To speak to our experts, call 0330 822 3451 or request a callback.