Finite Element Analysis of Osseointegrated Transfemoral Implant : Identification of how the Length of Implant Affects the Stress Distribution in Cortical Bone and Implant

Sammanfattning: An alternative method of conventional prosthesis is  osseointegrated transfemoral implant, in where the prosthesis is fixated directly to the bone. The benefits with this system is increased range of motion, sensory feedback and reduced soft tissue problem. One of the drawbacks of this method is the effect of stress shielding, which could in long term lead to bone loss and bone resorption. The aim of this study is to investigate how the length of the fixture (60, 80 and 100 mm) of OPRA system (Osseointegrated Prosthesis for the Rehabilitation of Amputees) affects the stress distribution in femoral bone and implant during short walk by using Finite Element Methods.  The finite element model used in this study was constructed of three major parts: THUMS model (Total Human Model of Safety) of left thigh, implant and bone graft. The analysis was performed through the software LS-DYNA, with an implicit solver. The loading of the total gait cycle was applied in the distal end of the implant, whereas the proximal end of the thigh was fixed.  The FE simulation revealed lower stress distribution in the distal end of femoral bone, and higher in the proximal end. Implant 60 had lowest effect of stress shielding. The highest stress distribution in OPRA implant was shown in the abutment shaft, in the interface with bone graft. The length of the fixture did not have any impact on the stress distribution in the implant.