A comparative analysis of internal bone remodelling concepts in a novel implant for direct skeletal attachment of limb prosthesis evaluation: A finite element analysis

Nowadays, numerous internal bone remodelling concepts are under development, in order to estimate long-term functionality of implants by evaluating the intensity of stress-shielding effect. This effect is also analysed for the implants for direct skeletal attachment, considered as a better exoprosthesis fixation method than prosthetic sockets. Most of bone remodelling approaches are based on basic concepts, differing with certain assumptions, which may affect the accuracy of the results. This article compares commonly used internal bone remodelling concepts and evaluates the functionality of the proposed Limb Prosthesis Osseointegrated Fixation System for direct skeletal attachment of limb prosthesis in comparison with two currently available implants: the Intraosseous Transcutaneous Amputation Prosthesis and the Osseointegrated Prostheses for the Rehabilitation of Amputees. Three concepts were chosen: without and with lazy zone and with the use of quadratic formula which considers bone overloading. Therefore, three finite element models were created with identical femur implanted with each of analysed implants. The implants were loaded with loads that refer to two stages of gait cycle (heel strike and toe-off). The analysed concepts have given similar results, allowing to assume that each of them can be successfully used to estimate internal bone remodelling around analysed implants for direct skeletal attachment of limb prosthesis. The results also present higher functionality of the proposed implant for direct skeletal attachment of limb prosthesis due to a significant reduction in stress-shielding in the analysed areas around implant in comparison with the Intraosseous Transcutaneous Amputation Prosthesis and the Osseointegrated Prostheses for the Rehabilitation of Amputees. It suggests that the proposed design is a better alternative to the currently used solutions.