Tibia Osseointegration

Surgery can change lives, but it is that first unburdened step that reminds us why we do it. Our tibial osseointegration patient took that step. This wasn’t just another procedure, it was a breakthrough in restoring human mobility, made possible through surgical precision, clinical discipline, and global collaboration.

This patient underwent a tibial osseointegration procedure—placing a direct skeletal implant into the lower leg—at Mediclinic Winelands Orthopaedic Hospital, led by Dr. Franz Birkholtz (MBChB, MMed (Orth), FC Orth (SA)), in collaboration with Dr. Oscar van Waes, MD, PhD, from Erasmus MC in the Netherlands. The tibia presents unique biomechanical challenges, requiring absolute precision in implant positioning and loading strategy.

The benefits are clear. After years of discomfort and instability with a conventional socket prosthesis, this procedure opened the door to renewed mobility, comfort, and control.

Recovery is ongoing, guided by Lenka Uys, physiotherapist at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport, who is leading a structured loading and rehabilitation programme. Osseointegration is not a “fit-and-forget” solution—it’s a progressive journey that demands commitment, clinical discipline, and expert oversight.

Prosthetic fitting is an art in itself. We were fortunate to be joined by Tom Langenhuyzen, a highly experienced prosthetist from the Netherlands. Working closely with the patient’s long-time prosthetist, Eugene Rossouw, the team continues to fine-tune alignment and function with precision and care.