Biomechanical evaluation of a novel Limb Prosthesis Osseointegrated Fixation System designed to combine the advantages of interference-fit and threaded solutions.

PURPOSE: The study was aimed at biomechanical evaluation of a novel Limb Prosthesis Osseointegrated Fixation System (LPOFS) designed to combine the advantages of interference-fit and threaded solutions.

METHODS: Three cases, the LPOFS (designed), the OPRA (threaded) and the ITAP (interference-fit) implants were studied. Von-Mises stresses in bone patterns and maximal values generated while axial loading on an implant placed in bone and the force reaction values in contact elements while extracting an implant were analysed. Primary and fully osteointegrated connections were considered.

RESULTS: The results obtained for primary connection indicate more effective anchoring of the OPRA, however the LPOFS provides more appropriate stress distribution (lower stress-shielding, no overloading) in bone. In the case of fully osteointegrated connection the LPOFSs kept the most favourable stress distribution in cortical bone which is the most important long-term feature of the implant usage and bone remodelling. Moreover, in fully bound connection its anchoring elements resist extracting attempts more than the ITAP and the OPRA.

CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained allow us to conclude that in the case of features under study the LPOFS is a more functional solution to direct skeletal attachment of limb prosthesis than the referential implants during short and long-term use.