Transcutaneous osseointegration for amputees with burn trauma.

OBJECTIVE: Transcutaneous osseointegration for amputees (TOFA) surgically implants a prosthetic anchor into the residual limb's bone, enabling direct skeletal connection to a prosthetic limb and eliminating the socket. TOFA has demonstrated significant mobility and quality of life benefits for most amputees, but concerns regarding its safety for patients with burned skin have limited its use. This is the first report of the use of TOFA for burned amputees.

METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed of five patients (eight limbs) with a history of burn trauma and subsequent osseointegration. The primary outcome was adverse events such as infection and additional surgery. Secondary outcomes included mobility and quality of life changes.

RESULTS: The five patients (eight limbs) had an average follow-up time of 3.8 ± 1.7 (range 2.1-6.6) years. We found no issues of skin compatibility or pain associated with the TOFA implant. Three patients underwent subsequent surgical debridement, one of whom had both implants removed and eventually reimplanted. K-level mobility improved (K2 +, 0/5 vs 4/5). Other mobility and quality of life outcomes comparisons are limited by available data.

CONCLUSION: TOFA is safe and compatible for amputees with a history of burn trauma. Rehabilitation capacity is influenced more by the patient's overall medical and physical capacity than their specific burn injury. Judicious use of TOFA for appropriately selected burn amputees seems safe and merited.