With the wonders of technology in healthcare come tremendous improvements in patient outcomes and quality of life. On today’s episode, we have two phenomenal guests chatting with us about osseointegration in the field of prosthetics, which helps individuals with limb deformities such as amputations move and function more optimally.

Haris Kafedzic is an American Board Certified Prosthetist and Orthotist and Eschen’s lead Manhattan Prosthetist and Residency Director. Dr. Robert Rozbruch is an orthopedic surgeon, the Chief of the Limb Lengthening and Complex Reconstruction Service since 2005, and Director of the Limb Salvage and Amputation Reconstruction Center at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). 

On the show, our guests talk about the role of a prosthetist and an orthopedic surgeon along with the various other practitioners like physical therapists that contribute to a patient’s care. They discuss typical patient cases like individuals with leg length discrepancies or limb amputations of all kinds. Currently, the United States’ medical system hasn’t fully caught up with the advancements in the field of prosthetics, which makes it difficult to refer appropriate patients to the right places. Both Haris and Dr. Rozbruch advocate for building awareness around osseointegration as they celebrate their patients’ success stories. 

Dr. S. Robert Rozbruch, after graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania, attended Weill Medical College of Cornell University from which he graduated with honors in research. Residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at HSS was followed by two fellowships. He did specialized training in Trauma as an AO fellow at the University of Bern in Switzerland. Additional training in adult and pediatric limb lengthening followed at the Maryland Center for Limb Lengthening & Reconstruction. He is Professor of Clinical Orthopedic Surgery at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. He is a member of several national medical societies including fellowship in the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Orthopedic Trauma Association, and The Limb Lengthening & Reconstruction Society (LLRS) of which he was President 2012-2013. He has lectured on his clinical and research works at both national and international meetings and has authored over 150 articles in medical journals and chapters in orthopedic textbooks. He is the editor of 2 major textbooks: Limb Lengthening & Reconstruction Surgery and Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Surgery Case Atlas.

Haris Kafedzic received a Master’s degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.  While attending Northwestern University, he was part of a small group of students selected to travel to Guatemala and provide orthotic and prosthetic care to underprivileged patients. Haris’s personal story has greatly influenced him to focus on prosthetic care.  He started working for Eschen as a dual-discipline resident. Haris has advanced training in many aspects of prosthetic care including myoelectric upper limb prostheses and microprocessor knee and ankle units.  He has worked closely with Dr. Rozbruch the past four and a half years treating upper and lower extremity osseointegration patients.  He is committed to helping every patient achieve their maximum functional potential utilizing the latest technology and technique.  

Connect with them at:

Eschenpo.com

hss.edu/limblengthening.asp

osseointegrationUSA.com