Cost Utility Analysis of Bilateral Osseointegration for Trans-Femoral Amputations in Military Blast Injury 

Description

This VTT document captures a presentation by Major Charles Handford discussing the topic of osseointegration in military personnel who have undergone high transfemoral amputations. The talk emphasizes the advantages of osseointegration over traditional socket prostheses, particularly in patients who have experienced discomfort and instability with conventional methods.



Major Handford details the procedure, where a metal rod is inserted into the femoral canal and exits through the skin, allowing for a direct attachment of the prosthetic limb, which reportedly alleviates issues related to soft tissues and pressure points. He discusses the methodology of data collection for assessing the effectiveness of the intervention, utilizing standardized quality of life measurement tools like the SF36 and EQ-5D.



The results are promising, showing that patients experience significant increases in their EQ-5D scores over time, reflecting higher quality of life. A cost utility analysis details the financial implications of the procedures compared to traditional prosthetics, showing that the cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) becomes favorable after an average of six years with the implants.



Handford shares specific patient cases indicating successful outcomes beyond five years without major complications, reinforcing the intervention's effectiveness. However, he acknowledges potential limitations, such as the long-term durability of implants and broader economic benefits that are not captured by cost utility analyses alone. Throughout the presentation, he addresses inquiries regarding infection risks and treatment longevity, noting the current lack of significant infection-related complications in their treated cohort.

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