In this episode, Dr. Steve Gard, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, speaks with Cody McDonald, PhD, MPH, CPO, assistant professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington, and Benjamin Darter, PhD, PT, chair and an associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University, about their JPO article, “Bone-Anchored Prosthesis Users’ Experiences of Altered Lower Limb Prosthetic Attention: A Pilot Focus Group Study.” They explore how bone-anchored prostheses may reduce the cognitive effort required to use a prosthesis, a concept known as prosthetic attention. Drawing on a two-hour online focus group with four individuals who transitioned from socket-based systems to bone-anchored prostheses, the researchers identified themes of increased sensation and control, freedom from socket-related discomfort and stigma, greater awareness of fall risks and injury consequences, and the continued need to monitor terrain and component limitations. They discuss why prosthetic attention matters clinically, the surprisingly low concern about infection among participants, and the importance of helping patients understand both the benefits and ongoing challenges of bone-anchored prosthetic systems.

Show notes

JPO article: Bone-Anchored Prosthesis Users’ Experiences of Altered Lower Limb Prosthetic Attention: A Pilot Focus Group Study

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