For the first time in Ukraine, a patient was implanted with a prosthesis directly into the bone

This news was announced by the Lviv City Council.

In the fall of 2019, a car carrying Captain Igor Krupnov, a 56-year-old Ukrainian Army veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war, hit a landmine. He lost both of his legs and only regained consciousness a few days after the injury. He was grateful that the doctors were able to save his life.

When Igor learned about the new prosthetic technology, he expressed a desire to be the first patient in Ukraine to have part of his prosthesis implanted directly into the bone, as it was important for him not only to walk but also to run long distances. In 2016, he completed a marathon. Before the serious injury, he had dreamed of running a half marathon for his 60th birthday. Now, Igor’s goal is to run a 10-kilometer race with his prostheses.

This new direction of prosthetics in Ukraine was made possible by one of the world’s leading specialists in the field, Australian orthopedic surgeon Munjed Al Muderis, who has performed about a thousand operations in Australia and five hundred more in other countries around the world. His patients lead active lifestyles and work without restrictions, including farming or construction work.

“The advantage of osseointegration is that the patient has sensitivity, which allows them to feel the ground and distinguish surfaces. For example, if they walk on grass, they can feel its softness, or if they step on a cable or their spouse’s toe, they will feel it. Therefore, in this case, they can no longer say that they did not feel when they stepped on their spouse’s foot”, says Professor Munjed Al Muderis.

The operation of osseointegration is actually necessary for people who have lost both limbs, as it is difficult and often painful for them to use traditional prosthetics. They can start taking their first steps on implanted prosthetics already on the second day after the operation. In just six weeks, they can walk normally. Today, Igor feels good after the implantation.

Photo: Lviv City Council