What Effect Does the Osseointegration Rehabilitation Process Have on Patients’ Psychological and Social Well-being?
Date of Award
Spring 5-9-2026
Document Type
Non Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics
Department
Kinesiology
First Advisor
Amy Funke
Abstract
Osseointegration (OI) is a relatively new process which involves connecting a prosthetic directly to an implant that is inside the patient’s bone. Existing research has focused on surgery and prosthetic outcomes; however, the rehabilitation process has not been explored much. This research study aimed to follow patients through the OI process, with a focus on rehabilitation, and find if patients feel they have enough support. Methods used were a parallel mixed methods design. Participants were followed through the process of getting an OI implant and prosthesis with an emphasis on the rehabilitation process. While going through the OI process, participants received a questionnaire relating to participants’ psychological and social well-being as well as how supported they felt going through this process. The results of this research study will allow the rehabilitation process to be revised and updated. It will also allow for more support to be given to patients regarding psychological support as well as training support.