NYC Gazette

After years of severe leg pain, Nick Pafitis has found relief through osseointegration, a procedure allowing a prosthetic limb to attach directly to the bone. The surgery involves the bone growing into a metal implant for enhanced stability.

Dr. Jason Hoellwarth, an orthopedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City and HSS Long Island, explained that this method improves mobility and comfort compared to traditional socket prostheses.

Nick Pafitis, 45, from Saint James, Long Island, expressed gratitude towards Dr. Hoellwarth and his team at the HSS Osseointegration Limb Replacement Center. His congenital leg deformity and severe ankle injury at age 11 led to reconstructive surgeries with long recoveries. Pain increased over time, affecting his ability to walk and work until a motorcycle accident further damaged his left ankle.

By the time he learned about osseointegration, Nick's pain was unbearable. Multiple specialists had suggested extensive reconstructive surgery with uncertain outcomes. During his research, Nick discovered HSS as a leading hospital for osseointegration in transtibial amputations.

After consulting with Dr. Hoellwarth about the possibility of amputation combined with osseointegration, Nick decided on the surgery. Dr. Hoellwarth noted that it would allow "a rapid return to all-day pain-free mobility." Post-surgery and physical therapy have enabled Nick to walk without limping for the first time in decades.

Nick now shares his journey on Instagram and continues working as an operations manager at a plant nursery while aiming to assist others with limb loss by informing them about osseointegration.