Why choose a Bone Anchored Prosthesis!
In 1990 I lost my left lower leg due to an accident, it became an amputation through the knee also called a knee disarticulation. Not bad in itself because with a knee disarticulation you have a load-bearing stump that you can walk well with.
But over the years I have been looking for the ideal fit of the socket prosthesis. A custom-made liner seemed the solution, until the stump changed shape again, with all the consequences. The limitations were so severe that I started looking for an alternative. That’s how I heard about a bone anchored prosthesis (BAP), which seemed like a good alternative. Given the fact that my knee disarticulation still had to be shortened by 20 centimeters of the stump, I decided to try again with a liner, without relief.
I quickly came across AOFE Clinics online. I read all the information carefully and after approval by the health insurer, the process went very smoothly. The explanation about the operation and the rehabilitation process were good. The team was always available for questions, the trust was good and I went into the operation with a good feeling.
October 14, 2024 was the day. The day of the operation. Everything went well, and the next day I went home. Then the rehabilitation actually starts. Getting used to the implant that sticks out and the need to clean the stoma twice a day. I have to say that I got used to that quickly.
After four weeks I went to rehabilitation and got the prosthesis clicked on for the first time. What a different feeling that was. No more pressure from the socket, no pain from wounds, etc. Walking was gradually built up, because yes, I had not used those muscles for 34 years with the socket prosthesis.
Now, early February 2025, so about four months after the operation, the rehabilitation is complete. And I have already been able to experience the difference between the socket and the bone-anchored prosthesis.
What a difference!
I am so glad I did this. The recovery is quite tough, but now I already experience a lot of benefits. But the most important thing for me is walking, I like to walk and now I already walk a round of 5 km. I am very happy with that after such a relatively short period. Looking back and certainly also looking ahead, I am very happy that I took this step!
