Prosthetist shares the dramatic impact of Integrum’s OPRA™ Implant System
Mike Corcoran—Prosthetist specializing in hip disarticulation, hemipelvectomy, and care of wounded warriors
Mike Corcoran is the co-founder of Medical Center Orthotics and Prosthetics (MCOP), based in Silver Spring, Maryland, near Washington, D.C. As a prosthetist with 31 years’ experience of practicing prosthetics, and 5 years’ experience of designing and developing artificial limbs to be used in conjunction with osseointegration as an alternative treatment option, Mike aims to continually improve the outcome of each and every amputee through dedication to hard work and understanding patients’ needs—a philosophy, which Mike and the entire MCOP team are committed to daily.
In an interview with Integrum, Mike talks about his experience treating amputees with Integrum’s bone-anchored prosthetics—The OPRA™ Implant System for above-knee amputations.
The OPRA™ Implant System
The OPRA™ Implant System anchors the artificial limb to the skeleton. This method provides patients several advantages compared to socket prostheses; including increased range of motion, no socket pain or discomfort, and better mobility. “The direct connection increases user confidence and frees up their mind.” Mike said, “The stable connection of the prosthesis to the bone through the ground provides a stable base of support and thus allows these multi-level amputees to not be so wrapped up in cognitively managing their prosthesis.”
In addition, Mike identifies making everyday living easier for patients as the most compelling aspect of using Integrum’s bone-anchored prostheses; the OPRA™ Implant System is easy to don and doff, easy to put on and take off clothes without damaging them, and easy to sit on any seat or surface.
“As a result of what I have observed, I would counsel my customers to not rule osseointegration out of their care plan.” Mike said, “I do not see a downside to this approach of amputee care. Don’t dismiss it because it seems radical.” Mike goes on to indicate that osseointegration is a great option for people with bilateral amputations.
When asked about what he would share about the OPRA™ Implant System to his colleagues and other prosthetists he says “This is progress. We must keep up in order to provide the best care for our patients; specifically for those for whom sockets are not the solution”.
Medical Center Orthotics and Prosthetics
Medical Center Orthotics and Prosthetics (MCOP) is a leading prosthetic out-patient clinic serving amputees who seek to maximize their potential and minimize the complications associated with wearing a prosthesis. MCOP is unique in that they have long-term experience in the United States serving amputees of all ages, backgrounds, and injury types, up to and including the rarest and most challenging clinical conditions.
Patients who wish to receive treatment at MCOP can find contact information on the center’s website.
About Integrum
Integrum AB is a publicly-traded company (INTEG B: Nasdaq First North exchange) based outside of Gothenburg, Sweden, with a US subsidiary in San Francisco, CA. Since 1990, osseointegration, the science behind the OPRA™ Implant System, has been helping individuals with amputations enjoy a dramatically improved quality of life. Thorough surgical experience gained over more than three decades, from 500 surgeries, in 14 countries, has led to the development of Integrum’s system for bone- anchored prostheses – a vastly superior alternative to the traditionally used socket prosthesis.
The OPRA™ Implant System is the only FDA approved medical device for above- knee, bone-anchored prosthetics available in the US.