The fixation of press-fit orthopaedic devices depends on the mechanical properties of the bone that is in contact with the implants. During the press-fit implantation, bone is compacted and permanently deformed, finally resulting in the mechanical interlock between implant and bone. For the development and design of new devices, it is imperative to understand these non-linear interactions. One way to investigate primary fixation is by using computational models based on Finite Element (FE) analysis. However, for a successful simulation, a proper material model is necessary that accurately captures the non-linear response of the bone. In the current study, we combined experimental testing with FE modeling to establish a Crushable Foam model (CFM) to represent the non-linear bone biomechanics that influences implant fixation. Mechanical testing of human tibial trabecular bone was done under uniaxial and confined compression configurations. We examined 62 human trabecular bone samples taken from 8 different cadaveric tibiae to obtain all the required parameters defining the CFM, dependent on local bone mineral density (BMD). The derived constitutive rule was subsequently applied using an in-house subroutine to the FE models of the bone specimens, to compare the model predictions against the experimental results.Introduction
Methods
Cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implants use an interference fit to achieve fixation, which depends on the difference between the inner dimensions of the implant and outer dimensions of the bone. However, the most optimal interference fit is still unclear. A higher interference fit could lead to a superior fixation, but it could also cause bone abrasion and permanent deformation during implantation. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of increasing the interference fit from 350 µm to 700 µm on the primary stability of cementless tibial implants by measuring micromotions and gaps at the bone-implant interface when subjected to two loading conditions. Two cementless e.motion® tibial components (Total Knee System, B. Braun) with different interference fit and surface coating were implanted in six pairs of relatively young human cadaver tibias (47–60 years). The Orthoload peak loads of gait (1960N) and squat (1935N) were applied to the specimens with a custom made load applicator (Figure 1A). The micromotions (shear displacement) and opening/closing gaps (normal displacement) were measured with Digital Image Correlation (DIC) in 6 different regions of interest (ROIs - Figure 1B). Two General Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) were created with micromotions and interfacial gaps as dependent variables, bone quality, loading conditions, ROIs, and interference fit implants as independent variables, and the cadaver specimens as subject variables.Introduction
Methods
Instability, loosening, and patellofemoral pain belong to the main causes for revision of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Currently, the diagnostic pathway requires various diagnostic techniques such as x-rays, CT or SPECT-CT to reveal the original cause for the failed knee prosthesis, but increase radiation exposure and fail to show soft-tissue structures around TKA. There is a growing demand for a diagnostic tool that is able to simultaneously visualize soft tissue structures, bone, and TKA without radiation exposure. MRI is capable of visualising all the structures in the knee although it is still disturbed by susceptibility artefacts caused by the metal implant. Low-field MRI (0.25T) results in less metal artefacts and offers the ability to visualize the knee in weight-bearing condition. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the possibilities of low field MRI to image, the patellofemoral joint and the prosthesis to evaluate the knee joint in patients with and without complaints after TKA. Ten patients, eight satisfied and two unsatisfied with their primary TKA, (NexGen posterior stabilized, BiometZimmer) were included. The patients were scanned in sagittal, coronal, and transversal direction on a low field MRI scanner (G-scan Brio, 0.25T, Esaote SpA, Italy) in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing conditions with T1, T2 and PD-weighted metal artefact reducing sequences (TE/TR 12–72/1160–7060, slice thickness 4.0mm, FOV 260×260×120m3, matrix size 224×216). Scans were analysed by two observers for:
- Patellofemoral joint: Caton-Descamps index and Tibial Tuberosity-Trochlear Groove (TT-TG) distance. - Prosthesis malalignment: femoral component rotation using the posterior condylar angle (PCA) and tibial rotation using the Berger angle. Significance of differences in parameters between weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing were calculated with the Wilcoxon rank test. To assess the reliability the inter and intra observer reliability was calculated with a two-way random effects model intra class correlation coefficient (ICC). The two unsatisfied patients underwent revision arthroplasty and intra-operative findings were compared with MRI findings.Introduction
Method
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been proposed as an implant material for femoral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) components. Potential clinical advantages of PEEK over standard cobalt chrome alloys include modulus of elasticity and subsequently reduced stress shielding potentially eliminating osteolysis, thermal conduction properties allowing for a more natural soft tissue environment, and reduced weight enabling quicker quadriceps recovery. Manufacturing advantages include reduced manufacturing and sterilization time, lower cost, and improved quality control. Currently, no PEEK TKA implants exist on the market. Therefore, evaluation of mechanical properties in a pre-clinical phase is required to minimize patient risk. The objectives of this study include evaluation of implant fixation and determination of the potential for reduced stress shielding using the PEEK femoral TKA component. Experimental and computational analysis was performed to evaluate the biomechanical response of the femoral component (Freedom Knee, Maxx Orthopedics Inc., Plymouth Meeting, PA; Figure 1). Fixation strength of CoCr and PEEK components was evaluated in pull-off tests of cemented femoral components on cellular polyurethane foam blocks (Sawbones, Vashon Island, WA). Subsequent testing investigated the cemented fixation using cadaveric distal femurs. The reconstructions were subjected to 500,000 cycles of the peak load occurring during a standardized gait cycle (ISO 14243-1). The change from CoCr to PEEK on implant fixation was studied through computational analysis of stress distributions in the cement, implant, and the cement-implant interface. Reconstructions were analyzed when subjected to standardized gait and demanding squat loads. To investigate potentially reduced stress shielding when using a PEEK component, paired cadaveric femurs were used to measure local bone strains using digital image correlation (DIC). First, standardized gait load was applied, then the left and right femurs were implanted with CoCr and PEEK components, respectively, and subjected to the same load. To verify the validity of the computational methodology, the intact and reconstructed femurs were replicated in FEA models, based on CT scans.Introduction
Methods and Materials
Fretting corrosion at the taper interface of modular connections can be studied using Finite Element (FE) analyses. However, the loading conditions in FE studies are often simplified, or based on generic activity patterns. Using musculoskeletal modeling, subject-specific muscle and joint forces can be calculated, which can then be applied to a FE model for wear predictions. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of incorporating more detailed activity patterns on fretting simulations of modular connections. Using a six-camera motion capture system, synchronized force plates, and 45 optical markers placed on 6 different subjects, data was recorded for three different activities: walking at a comfortable speed, chair rise, and stair climbing. Musculoskeletal models, using the Twente Lower Extremity Model 2.0 implemented in the AnyBody modeling System™ (AnyBody Technology A/S, Aalborg, Denmark; figure1), were used to determine the hip joint forces. Hip forces for the subject with the lowest and highest peak force, as well as averaged hip forces were then applied to an FE model of a modular taper connection (Biomet Type-1 taper with a Ti6Al4V Magnum +9 mm adaptor; Figure 2). During the FE simulations, the taper geometry was updated iteratively to account for material removal due to wear. The wear depth was calculated based on Archard's Law, using contact pressures, micromotions, and a wear factor, which was determined from accelerated fretting experiments.Introduction
Methods
Fifteen percent of the primary total knee arthroplasties (TKA) fails within 20 years. Among the main causes for revision surgery are instability and patellofemoral pain. Currently, the diagnostic pathway requires various diagnostic techniques to reveal the original cause for the failed knee prosthesis and is therefore time consuming and inefficient. Accordingly, there is a growing demand for a diagnostic tool that is able to simultaneously visualize soft tissue structures, bone and TKA. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is capable of visualising all the structures in the knee although a trade- off needs to be made between metal artefact reducing capacities and image quality. Low-field MRI (0.25T) results in less metal artefacts and a lower image quality compared with high-field MRI (1.5T). The aim of this study is to develop a MRI imaging guide to image the problematic TKA and to evaluate this guide by comparing low-field and high-field MRI on a case study. Based on literature and current differential diagnostic pathways a guide to diagnose patellofemoral pain, instability, malposition and signs of infection or fracture with MRI was developed. Therefore, methods as Insall Salvati, patellar tilt angle and visibility of fluid and soft tissues were chosen. Visibility was scored on a VAS scale from 0 to 100mm (0mm zero visibility, 100mm excellent visibility). Subsequently, this guide is used to analyse MRI scans made of a volunteer (female, 61 years, right knee) with primary TKA (Biomet, Zimmer) in sagittal, coronal and transversal direction with a FSE PD metal artefact reducing (MAR) sequence (TE/TR 12/1030ms, slice thickness 4.0mm, FOV 260×260×120mm3, matrix size 224×216) on low-field MRI (Esaote G-scan Brio, 0.25T) and with a FSE T1-weighted high bandwidth MAR sequence (TE/TR 6/500ms, slice thickness 3.0mm, FOV 195×195×100mm3, matrix size 320×224) on high-field MRI (Avanto 1.5T, Siemens). Scans were analysed three times by one observer and the intra observer reliability was calculated with a two-way random effects model intra class correlation coefficient (ICC).Introduction
Method
Roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA) is currently the gold standard to measure early prosthetic migration which can predict aseptic loosening. However, RSA has some limitations such as the need for perioperative placed markers and exposure to X-radiation during follow up. Therefore, this study evaluates if low field MRI could be an alternative for RSA. Low field MRI was chosen because it is less hampered by metal artifacts of the prosthesis than high field MRI. 3D models of both the tibial component of a total knee prosthesis (Genesis II, Smith and Nephew) and the porcine tibia were made. The tibial component was implanted in the tibial bone. Consequently, 17 acquisitions with the low field MRI scanner (Esaote G-scan 0.25T) in transverse direction with a 2D PD weighted metal artifact reducing sequence PD-XMAR (TE/TR 10/1020ms, slice thickness 3mm, FOV 180×180×120 mm³, matrix size 224×224) were made. The first five acquisitions were made without repositioning the cadaver, the second twelve after slightly repositioning the cadaver within limits that are expected to be encountered in a clinical setting. Hence, in these 17 acquisitions no prosthetic-bone motions were induced. The scans were segmented and registered with Mimics. Virtual translation and rotation of the prosthesis with respect to the bone between two scans were calculated using a Procrustes algorithm. The first five scans without repositioning were used to calculate the measurement error, the following twelve to calculate the precision of low field MRI to measure prosthetic migration. Results were expressed as the maximum total point motion, mean error and 95% CI and expressed in boxplots.Introduction
Methods
Aseptic loosening is the main reason for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) failure, responsible for more than 25% of the revision procedures, with most of the problems occurring with the tibial component. While early loosening can be attributed to failure of primary fixation, late implant loosening is associated with loss of fixation secondary to bone resorption due to altered physiological load transfer to the tibial bone. Several attempts have been made to investigate these changes in bone load transfer in biomechanical simulations and bone remodeling analyses, which can be useful to provide information on the effect of patient, surgery, or design-related factors. On the other hand, these factors have also been investigated in clinical studies of radiographic changes of bone density following TKA. In this study we made an overview of the knowledge obtained from these clinical studies, which can be used to inform clinical decision making and implant design choices. A literature search was performed to identify clinical follow-up studies that monitored peri-prosthetic bone changes following TKA. Within these studies, effects of the following parameters on bone density changes were investigated: post-operative time, region of interest, alignment, body weight, systemic osteoporosis, implant design and cementation. Moreover, we investigated the effect of bone density loss on implant survival. Results A total of 19 studies was included in this overview, with a number of included patients ranging from 12 to 7,760. Most studies used DEXA (n=16), while a few studies performed analyses on calibrated digital radiographs (n=2), or computed tomography (n=1). Postoperative follow-up varied from 9 months to 10 years. Studies consistently report the largest bone density reduction within the first postoperative year. Bone loss is mainly seen in the medial region. This has been attributed to the change in alignment following surgery, during which often the pre-operative varus knee is corrected to a more physiological alignment, resulting in a load shift towards the lateral compartment. Measurements in unoperated contralateral legs were performed in 3 cases, and two studies performed standardized DEXA measurements to provide information on systemic osteoporosis. While on the short term no changes were observed, significant negative correlations have been found between severity of osteoporosis and peri-prosthetic bone density. No clear effects of bodyweight and cementation on bone loss have been identified. Although some studies do find differences between implant types, the variation in the data makes it difficult to draw general conclusions from these findings. Several studies reported no effect of bone loss on implant migration. In another study, a medial collapse was associated with a medial increase in density, suggesting that altered loading and increased stresses are responsible for both bone formation and the overload leading to collapse.Introduction
Methods
Although cementless press-fit femoral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) components are routinely used in clinical practice, the effect of the interference fit on primary stability is still not well understood. Intuitively, one would expect that a thicker coating and a higher surface roughness lead to a superior fixation. However, during implant insertion, a thicker coating can introduce more damage to the underlying bone, which could adversely influence the primary fixation. Therefore, in the current study, the effect of coating thickness and roughness on primary stability was investigated by measuring the micromotions at the bone-implant interface with experimental testing. A previous experimental set-up was used to test 6 pairs of human cadaveric femurs (47–60 years, 5 females) implanted with two femoral component designs with either the standard e.motion (Total Knee System, B. Braun, Germany) interference fit of 350 µm (right femurs) or a novel, thicker interference fit of 700 µm (left femurs). The specimens were placed in a MTS machine (Figure 1) and subjected to the peak loads of normal gait (1960N) and squat (1935N), based on the Orthoload dataset for Average 75. Varus/valgus moments were incorporated by applying the loads at an offset relative to the center of the implants, leading to a physiological mediolateral load distribution. Under these loads, micromotions at the implant-bone interface were measured using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) at different regions of interest (ROIs – Figure 1). In addition, DIC was used to measure opening and closing of the implant-bone interface in the same ROIs.Introduction
Methods
Fretting corrosion of the modular taper junction in total hip arthroplasty has been studied in several finite element (FE) studies. Manufacturing tolerances can result in a mismatch between the femoral head and stem, which can influence the taper mechanics leading to possibly more wear. Using FE models the effect of these manufacturing tolerances on the amount of volumetric wear can be studied. The removal of material in the FE model was validated against experiments simulating the clinical fretting wear process, subsequently the mismatch and assembly force were varied to study the effect on the volumetric wear. An FE model was developed in which the geometry can be updated to account for material removal due to wear. In this model the geometry was updated based on Archard's Law, using contact pressures, micromotions and a wear factor, which was determined based on accelerated fretting experiments. The linear wear was calculated using H=k*p*S. Where H is the linear wear depth in mm, k is a wear factor (mm3/Nmm), p is the contact pressure (MPa) and S is the sliding distance (mm). 10 million cycles were simulated using 50 virtual steps. Using this scaling and the measured volumetric wear from the experiments a wear factor of 2.7*10−5 was applied. Based on general manufacturing tolerances the resulting mismatch in taper angles were determined to be ± 1.26°. Using this mismatch a tip fit (figure 1a) and base fit (Figure 1b) model were created. In combination with a perfect fit, meaning no mismatch, and two different assembly forces of 4 kN and 15 kN, 6 different situations were studied.Introduction
Methods
Mechanical overloading of the knee can occur during activities of daily living such as stair climbing, jogging, etc. In this finite element study we aim to investigate which parameters could detrimentally influence peri-implant bone in the tibial reconstructed knee. Bone quality and patient variables are potential factors influencing knee overloading (Zimmerman 2016). Finite element (FE) models of post-mortem retrieved tibial specimens (n=7) from a previous study (Zimmerman 2016) were created using image segmentation (Mimics Materialise v14) of CT scan data (0.6 mm voxel resolution). Tibial tray and polyethylene inserts were recreated from CT data and measurements of the specimens (Solidworks 2015). Specimens with varying implant geometry (keel/pegged) were chosen for this study. A cohesive layer between bone and cement was included to simulate the behavior of the bone–cement interface using experimentally obtained values. The FE models predict plasticity of bone according to Keyak (2005). Models were loaded to 10 body weight (BW) and then reduced to 1 BW to mimic experimental measurements. Axial FE bone strains at 1 BW were compared with experimental Digital Image Correlation (DIC) bone strains on cut sections of the specimens. After validation of the FE models using strain data, models were rotated and translated to the coordinate system defined in Bergmann (2014). Four loading cases were chosen – walking, descending stairs, sitting down and jogging. Element strains were written to file for post-processing. The bone in all FE models was divided into regions of equal thickness (10 mm) for comparison of strains.INTRODUCTION
METHODS
Improving the accuracy of measuring 6 degree of freedom tibiofemoral kinematics is a crucial step in gait analysis, but skin-marker estimated kinematics are subject to soft tissue artefacts. Fluoroscopic systems have been reported to achieve high accurate kinematics, but their induced irradiation, limited field of view, and high cost hampers routine usage on large patient cohorts. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of measuring tibiofemoral kinematics using multi-channel A-mode ultrasound system in cadaver experiment and to assess its achievable accuracy. A full cadaver was placed with its back on a surgery table while its legs were overhanging the edge of the table. Upper body was fixated and right leg was moved by means of pulling a rope. Two bone pins with optical markers were mounted to the femur and tibia separately to measure the ground truth of motion. Six custom holders containing 30 A-mode ultrasound transducers and 18 optical markers were mounted to six anatomical regions. By measuring the bone to ultrasound transducer distance and using the spatial information of the optical markers on the holders, 30 bone surface points were determined. The corresponding bones (femur and tibia) were registered to these acquired points after which the tibiofemoral kinematics were determined. This study presents a multi-channel A-mode ultrasound system and the first results have shown its feasibility of reconstructing tibiofemoral kinematics in cadaver experiment. Although the reconstructed tibiofemoral kinematics is less accurate than a fluoroscopic system, it outperforms a skin-mounted markers system. Thus, this A-mode Ultrasound approach could provide a non-invasive and non-radiative method for measuring tibiofemoral kinematics, which may be used in clinic gait analysis or even computer-aided orthopaedic surgery.
The primary stability of an uncemented femoral total knee replacement component is provided by press-fit forces at the bone-implant interface. This press-fit is achieved by resecting the bone slightly larger than the inner dimensions of the implant, resulting in a so-called interference fit. Previous animal studies have shown that an adequate primary stability is required to minimize micromotions at the bone-implant interface to achieve bone-ingrowth, which provides the secondary (long-term) fixation. It is assumed that during implantation a combination of elastic and plastic deformation and abrasion of the bone will occur, but little is known about what happens at the bone-implant interface and how much interference fit eventually is achieved. Purpose of this study was therefore to assess the actual and effective interference fit and the amount of bone damage during implantation of an uncemented femoral knee component. In this study, five cadaveric distal femora were prepared and femoral knee components were implanted by an experienced surgeon. Micro-CT scans and conventional CT-scans were obtained pre- and post-implantation for geometrical measurements and to measure bone mineral density. In addition, the position of the implant with respect to the bone was determined by optical scanning of the reconstructions (Figure.1). By measuring the differences in surface geometry, assessments were made of the cutting error, the actual interference fit, the amount of bone damage, and the effective interference fit. Our analysis showed an average cutting error of 0.67± 0.17 mm, which pointed mostly towards bone under-resections. We found an average actual AP interference fit of 1.48± 0.27 mm, which was close to the nominal value of 1.5 mm. We observed combinations of bone damage and elastic deformation in all bone specimens (Figure. 2), which showed a trend to be related with bone density. Higher bone density tended to lead to lower bone damage and higher elastic deformation (Figure. 3). The results of the current study indicate different factors that interact while implanting an uncemented femoral knee component. This knowledge can be used to fine-tune design criteria of femoral components and obtain adequate primary stability for all patients in a more predictable way.
Tibial slope was shown to majorly affect the outcomes of Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). More slope of the tibial component could help releasing a too tight flexion gap in cruciate-retaining (CR) TKA and is generally associated with a wider range of post-operative knee flexion. However, an excessive tibial slope could jeopardize the knee stability in flexion. The mechanism by which tibial slope affects the function of CR-TKA is not well understood. Moreover, it is not known whether the tibial bone resection should be performed by referencing the anterior cortex (AC) of the tibia or the center of the tibial plateau (CP) and whether the choice of either technique plays a role. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tibial slope on the position of tibiofemoral (TF) contact point, knee ligament forces, quadriceps muscle forces, and TF and patellofemoral (PF) joint contact forces during squat activity in CR-TKA. A previously validated musculoskeletal model of CR-TKA was used to simulate a squat activity performed by a 86-year-old male subject wearing an instrumented prosthesis [1,2]. Marker data over four consecutive repetitions of a squat motion were tracked using a motion optimization algorithm. Muscle and joint forces and moments were calculated from an inverse-dynamic analysis, coupled with Force-Dependent Kinematics (FDK) to solve knee kinematics, ligament and contact forces simultaneously. The tibial slope in the postoperative case was 0 degree and constituted the reference case for our simulations. In addition, eight additional cases were simulated with −3, +3, +6, +9 degrees of tibial slope, four of them simulating an AC referencing technique and four a CP technique.Introduction
Methods
Fretting corrosion of the modular taper junction in total hip arthroplasty has been studied in several finite element (FE) investigations. In FE analyses, different parameters can be varied to study micromotions and contact pressures at the taper interface. However, to truly study taper wear, the simulation of micromotions and contact pressures in non-adaptive FE models is insufficient, as over time these can change due to interfacial changes caused by the wear process. In this study we developed an FE approach in which material removal during the wear process was simulated by adaptations to the taper geometry. The removal of material was validated against experiments simulating the clinical fretting wear process. Experimental test: An accelerated fretting screening test was developed that consistently reproduced fretting wear features observed in retrievals. Biomet Type-1 (4°) tapers and +9 mm offset adaptors were assembled with a 4 kN force (N=3). A custom head fixture was used to create an increased offset and torque. The stems were potted in accordance with ISO 7206–6:2013. The set-up was submerged in a 37°C PBS solution with a pH adjusted to 3 using HCL and NaCl concentration of 90gl−1. The components were cyclically loaded between 0.4 – 4 kN for 10 million cycles. After completion, the volumetric and linear wear was measured using a Talyrond-585 roundness measurement machine. FE model: This was created to match the experimental set up (Figure 1). Taper geometry and experimental material data were obtained from the manufacturer (Zimmer Biomet). The coefficient of friction of the studied combination of components was based on previous experiments (Introduction
Method
To achieve a long-lasting fixation of uncemented femoral knee implants, an adequate primary stability is required. Several factors, including the applied load, bone quality, surgical preparation, and implant characteristics affect the primary fixation. Recently, novel Attune® cementless femoral component has been proposed by DePuy Synthes (Warsaw, IN, USA). We aimed to compare the primary stability of this novel high-flex design against the conventional LCS® under different loading conditions (gait, deep knee bend (DKB), and high-flex loading), while accounting for the effect of bone quality and cut accuracy. Six pairs of femora were prepared following the normal surgical procedure. Calibrated CT-scans and 3D-optical scans of the bones were obtained to measure bone mineral density (BMD) and bone cut accuracy, respectively. After implantation of the appropriate size implants (Left legs: Attune; right: LCS), a black-and-white speckle pattern was applied to each specimen (Fig.1B). The micromotion measurement was repeated three times in nine regions of interest (ROIs): the medial and lateral condyles from the posterior view; anterior, distal, and posterior regions from the medial and lateral views; the proximal tip of the anterior flange. The reconstructions were subjected to a gait load and a portion (around 50%) of the peak force of a DKB to prevent fracture of the proximal femur (Fig. 1A and Table. 1). The loads were derived from the Orthoload database using implant-specific inverse dynamics [1]. In addition, a sequence of DIC-images synchronized with the applied load was captured to find the relationship between micromotion and load. Afterwards, implants were pushed-off simulating 150° of flexion, while force-displacement graph was recorded. BMD and bone cut accuracy were not significantly different between the groups. Under both loading conditions, Attune had a significantly lower micromotion (Table. 1). Cut accuracy was not a significant factor, and BMD was only significant for the comparison under the gait loading (not under DKB conditions). High-flex push-off force was not significantly different. However, Attune required a significantly higher load to reach a micromotion of 50 or 150 µm during the push-off test. Different relations between micromotion and applied load, depending on the loading configuration and implant design, were found (Fig. 2). Our study has shown a clearly lower range of micromotion for the novel implant. Potential factors to explain the higher micromotion of LCS are parallel anterior and posterior bone cuts in the LCS versus the tapered bone cuts of the Attune. In addition, LCS has a less surface area in contact with bone due to the presence of a rim at the borders of the implant, which may have resulted in lower pre-stresses at the bone-implant interface. Taking to account, the promising clinical outcome of LCS and also the lower range of micromotion of Attune, we suggest that the Attune has a potential to be at least as successful as the LCS system from a bone fixation point of view. However, further clinical evaluation of the Attune is necessary to assess its performance on the longer term.
Initial large-scale clinical studies of porous tantalum implants have been generally promising with well-fixed implants and few cases of loosening [1–3]. An initial retrieval study suggests increased bone ingrowth in a modular tibial tray design compared to the monoblock design [4]. Since micromotion at the bone-implant interface is known to influence bone ingrowth [5], the goal of this study was to determine the effect of implant design, bone quality and activity type on micromotion at the bone-implant interface, through FE modeling. Our case-specific FE model of bone was created from CT data (68 year-old female, right tibia, Fig-1). Isotropic properties of cortical and trabecular bone were derived from the calibrated CT data. Modular and monoblock porous tantalum tibial implants were virtually placed in the tibia following surgical guidelines. All models parts were 3D meshed with 4-noded tetrahedral elements (MSC.MARC-Mentat 2013, MSC Software Corporation, USA). Frictional contact was applied to the bone-tantalum interface (µ=0.88) and UHWMPE-Femoral condyle interface (µ=0.05) with all other interfaces bonded. Loading was applied to simulate walking, standing up and descending stairs. For each activity, a full load cycle [6] was applied to the femoral condyles in incremental steps. The direction and magnitude of micromotions were calculated by tracking the motions of nodes of the bone, projected onto the tibial tray. Micromotions were calculated parallel to the implant surface (shear), and perpendicularly (tensile). We report the maximum (resultant) micromotion that occurred during a cycle of each activity. The bone properties were varied to represent a range in BMD (−30%BMD, Norm, +30%BMD). We compared design type, bone quality and activity type considering micromotion below 40 µm to be favorable for bone ingrowth [5].Introduction
Patients & Methods
Fretting corrosion at the taper interface has been implicated as a possible cause of implant failure. Using Experimental test set-up: An accelerated wear test was developed that consistently reproduced fretting wear features observed in retrievals. Biomet stems with smooth 4° Type-1 tapers were combined with Ti6Al4V Magnum +9 mm adaptors using a 2 or 15 kN assembly force. The head was replaced with a custom head fixture to increase the offset and apply a torque at the taper interface. The stems were potted according to ISO 7206-6:2013. The set-up was submerged in a test medium containing PBS and 90gl-1 NaCl. The solution was pH adjusted to 3 using HCl and maintained at 37°C throughout the tests. For each assembly case, n=3 tests were cyclically loaded between 0.4–4 kN for 10 Million cycles. Volumetric wear measurements were performed using a Talyrond-365 roundness measurement machine. The FE model was created to replicate the experimental set up. Geometries and experimental material data were obtained from the manufacturer (Biomet). The same assembly forces of 2 and 15 kN were applied, and the same head fixture was used for similar offset and loading conditions. The 4 kN load was applied at the same angles in accordance with ISO 7206-6:2013. Micromotions and contact pressures were calculated, and based on these a wear score was determined by summation over all contact points.Introduction
Methods
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a very successful orthopaedic treatment with 15 years implant survival reaching 95%, but decreasing age and increasing life expectancy of THA patients ask for much longer lasting solutions. Shorter and more flexible cementless stems are of high interest as these allow to maintain maximum bone stock and reduce adverse long-term bone remodeling.1 However, decreasing stem length and reducing implant stiffness might compromise the initial stability by excessively increasing interfacial stresses. In general, a good balance between implant stability and reduced stress shielding must be provided to obtain durable THA reconstruction.2 This finite element (FE) study aimed to evaluate primary stability and bone remodeling of a new design of short hip implant with solid and U-shaped cross-section. The long tapered Quadra-H stem and the short SMS implants (Medacta International, Castel San Pietro, Switzerland) were compared in this study (Figure 1). A FE model of a femur was based on calibrated CT data of an 81 year-old male (osteopenic bone quality). Both titanium alloy implants were assigned an elastic modulus of 105 GPa and the Poisson's ratios were set to 0.3. Initial stability simulations included the hip joint force and all muscle loads during a full cycle of normal walking as calculated in AnyBody software (Anybody Technology AS, Denmark), whereas the remodeling simulation used the peak loads from normal walking and stair climbing activities. Initial stability results are presented as micromotions on the implant surface with a threshold of 40 µm.3 Bone remodeling outcomes are represented in a form of simulated Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scans and the quantitative bone mineral density (BMD) changes in 7 periprosthetic zones.INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A previous computational study on an all-polymer PEEK-on-UHMWPE total knee replacement implant showed improved periprosthetic bone loading, compared to a conventional implant [1]. That study used a simulated gait cycle to determine distal loading, but a patella was not included. Substantial distal decrease of bone remodeling stimulus was found, in accordance with previous reports [2], but it was not consistent with other clinical and post-mortem DEXA results, which found the largest loss of bone stock in the anterior region [3,4]. As patellofemoral forces are relatively low during gait compared to squatting, we simulated a deep squat, expecting that a high-demand activity would provide similar indications of bone loss as literature [3,4]. Consequently, we applied both high tibiofemoral and patellofemoral loads, to provide more insight in the potential benefits of a new PEEK-Optima® femoral component on periprosthetic bone stock. We adopted a deep squat finite element model from Zelle et al. and included quasi-static deep flexion and load sharing at the posterior condyles [6]. A new implant design was inserted, with three variations in material properties: intact, CoCr and PEEK. The stiffness of the femoral elements was mapped from CT and applied to either the cut femur only (CoCr and PEEK) or the entire femoral construct (intact). The strain energy density (SED) was evaluated in the periprosthetic region as a measure for bone remodeling stimulus. To examine the effects of the entire exercise, SED values were integrated over all increments.Introduction
Methods
