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Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 104-B, Issue SUPP_12 | Pages 79 - 79
1 Dec 2022
Langohr GD Mahaffy M Athwal G Johnson JA
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Patients receiving reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) often have osseous erosions because of glenohumeral arthritis, leading to increased surgical complexity. Glenoid implant fixation is a primary predictor of the success of RTSA and affects micromotion at the bone-implant interface. Augmented implants which incorporate specific geometry to address superior erosion are currently available, but the clinical outcomes of these implants are still considered short-term. The objective of this study was to investigate micromotion at the glenoid-baseplate interface for a standard, 3 mm and 6 mm lateralized baseplates, half-wedge, and full-wedge baseplates. It was hypothesized that the mechanism of load distribution from the baseplate to the glenoid will differ between implants, and these varying mechanisms will affect overall baseplate micromotion. Clinical CT scans of seven shoulders (mean age 69 years, 10°-19° glenoid inclinations) that were classified as having E2-type glenoid erosions were used to generate 3D scapula models using MIMICS image processing software (Materialise, Belgium) with a 0.75 mm mesh size. Each scapula was then repeatedly virtually reconstructed with the five implant types (standard,3mm,6mm lateralized, and half/full wedge; Fig.1) positioned in neutral version and inclination with full backside contact. The reconstructed scapulae were then imported into ABAQUS (SIMULIA, U.S.) finite element software and loads were applied simulating 15°,30°,45°,60°,75°, and 90° of abduction based on published instrumented in-vivo implant data. The micromotion normal and tangential to the bone surface, and effective load transfer area were recorded for each implant and abduction angle. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to perform statistical analysis. Maximum normal micromotion was found to be significantly less when using the standard baseplate (5±4 μm), as opposed to the full-wedge (16±7 μm, p=0.004), 3 mm lateralized (10±6 μm, p=0.017), and 6 mm lateralized (16±8 μm, p=0.007) baseplates (Fig.2). The half-wedge baseplate (11±7 μm) also produced significantly less micromotion than the full-wedge (p=0.003), and the 3 mm lateralized produced less micromotion than the full wedge (p=0.026) and 6 mm lateralized (p=0.003). Similarly, maximum tangential micromotion was found to be significantly less when using the standard baseplate (7±4 μm), as opposed to the half-wedge (12±5 μm, p=0.014), 3 mm lateralized (10±5 μm, p=0.003), and 6 mm lateralized (13±6 μm, p=0.003) baseplates (Fig.2). The full wedge (11±3 μm), half-wedge, and 3 mm lateralized baseplate also produced significantly less micromotion than the 6 mm lateralized (p=0.027, p=012, p=0.02, respectively). Both normal and tangential micromotion were highest at the 30° and 45° abduction angles (Fig.2). The effective load transfer area (ELTA) was lowest for the full wedge, followed by the half wedge, 6mm, 3mm, and standard baseplates (Fig.3) and increased with abduction angle. Glenoid baseplates with reduced lateralization and flat backside geometries resulted in the best outcomes with regards to normal and tangential micromotion. However, these types of implants are not always feasible due to the required amount of bone removal, and medialization of the bone-implant interface. Future work should study the acceptable levels of bone removal for patients with E-type glenoid erosion and the corresponding best implant selections for such cases. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 104-B, Issue SUPP_13 | Pages 35 - 35
1 Dec 2022
Torkan L Bartlett K Nguyen K Bryant T Bicknell R Ploeg H
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Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is commonly used to treat patients with rotator cuff tear arthropathy. Loosening of the glenoid component remains one of the principal modes of failure and is the main complication leading to revision. For optimal RSA implant osseointegration to occur, the micromotion between the baseplate and the bone must not exceed a threshold of 150 µm. Excess micromotion contributes to glenoid loosening. This study assessed the effects of various factors on glenoid baseplate micromotion for primary fixation of RSA. A half-fractional factorial experiment design (2k-1) was used to assess four factors: central element type (central peg or screw), central element cortical engagement according to length (13.5 or 23.5 mm), anterior-posterior (A-P) peripheral screw type (nonlocking or locking), and bone surrogate density (10 or 25 pounds per cubic foot [pcf]). This created eight unique conditions, each repeated five times for 40 total runs. Glenoid baseplates were implanted into high- or low-density Sawbones™ rigid polyurethane (PU) foam blocks and cyclically loaded at 60 degrees for 1000 cycles (500 N compressive force range) using a custom designed loading apparatus. Micromotion at the four peripheral screw positions was recorded using linear variable displacement transducers (LVDTs). Maximum micromotion was quantified as the displacement range at the implant-PU interface, averaged over the last 10 cycles of loading. Baseplates with short central elements that lacked cortical bone engagement generated 373% greater maximum micromotion at all peripheral screw positions compared to those with long central elements (p < 0.001). Central peg fixation generated 360% greater maximum micromotion than central screw fixation (p < 0.001). No significant effects were observed when varying A-P peripheral screw type or bone surrogate density. There were significant interactions between central element length and type (p < 0.001). An interaction existed between central element type and level of cortical engagement. A central screw and a long central element that engaged cortical bone reduced RSA baseplate micromotion. These findings serve to inform surgical decision-making regarding baseplate fixation elements to minimize the risk of glenoid loosening and thus, the need for revision surgery


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 102-B, Issue SUPP_2 | Pages 20 - 20
1 Feb 2020
Mueller J Bischoff J Siggelkow E Parduhn C Roach B Drury N Bandi M
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Introduction. Initial stability of cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) tibial trays is necessary to facilitate biological fixation. Previous experimental and computational studies describe a dynamic loading micromotion test used to evaluate the initial stability of a design. Experimental tests were focused on cruciate retaining (CR) designs and walking gait loading. A FEA computational study of various constraints and activities found CR designs during walking gait experienced the greatest micromotion. This experimental study is a continuation of testing performed on CR and walking gait to include a PS design and stair descent activity. Methods. The previously described experimental method employed robotic loading informed by a custom computational model of the knee. Different TKA designs were virtually implanted into a specimen specific model of the knee. Activities were simulated using in-vivo loading profiles from instrumented tibia implants. The calculated loads on the tibia were applied in a robotic test. Anatomically designed cementless tibia components were implanted into a bone surrogate. Micromotion of the tray relative to the bone was measured using digital image correlation at 10 locations around the tray. Three PS and three CR samples were dynamically loaded with their respective femur components with force and moment profiles simulating walking gait and stair descent activities. Periods of walking and stair descent cycles were alternated for a total of 2500 walking cycles and 180 stair descent cycles. Micromotion data was collected intermittently throughout the test and the overall 3D motion during a particular cycle calculated. The data was normalized to the maximum micromotion value measured throughout the test. The experimental data was evaluated against previously reported computational finite element model of the micromotion test. Results. The maximum average micromotion was on the CR design during walking gait. The greatest CR micromotion during stair descent was 67% of the maximum. The maximum micromotion in the PS design was 55% of the CR walking maximum and occurred during stair descent. The next highest PS value was 52% during walking. The absolute difference in these values was under 3 µm. The majority of the PS micromotion values around the tray were less than 50% that of the maximum micromotion of the CR design. Discussion. The experimental continuation of this investigation into cementless tray stability aligned with computational results in this model. The computational model predicted the PS tray would have 50% of the micromotion of the CR design, which was close to the experimental test. For CR, the computational rank order for walking and stair descent was also the same in the experimental follow-up. Future work in this investigation will include continued validation of the computational and experimental models, including more designs. Further exploration into accounting for patient and surgical variability should be explored. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 103-B, Issue SUPP_1 | Pages 3 - 3
1 Feb 2021
Hwang E Braly H Ismaily S Noble P
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INTRODUCTION. The increasing incidence of periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFF) after total hip arthroplasty presents growing concerns due to challenges in treatment and increased mortality. PFF are often observed when the prosthesis is implanted in varus, especially with blade-type stems. To help elucidate its impact on the PFF risk, the specific research question is: What is the effect of misalignment of a blade-type stem (resulting in down-sized prosthesis) on 1)the distribution and magnitude of cortical stresses and 2)implant-bone micromotion. METHOD. We developed two finite element models consisting of an average female femur implanted within a generic blade-type stem prosthesis, (i)in neutral alignment, and (ii)oriented in 5° of varus, coupled with corresponding down-sizing of the prosthesis. Each model consisted of 1.1million elements, while the average mesh length at the implant-bone interface was 0.4mm. Elastic moduli of 15GPa(cortex), 150MPa(trabecular bone), and 121GPa(implant), and Poisson's ratio of 0.3 were assumed. The distal end was fixed and the interface was defined as a surface-to-surface contact with friction coefficients (dynamic 0.3; static 0.4). Walking and stair-climbing were simulated by loading the joint contact and muscle forces after scaling to the subjects’ body weight. The peak von Mises stress and the average stress within the surface having 1cm diameter and the center at where the peak stress occurred at each contacting area, the interfacial micromotion along medial, lateral side were analyzed. For statistical analysis, two-tailed t-test was performed between the neutral and varus cases over four loading cycles with significance level of p<0.05. RESULTS. Neutral alignment led to three areas of cortical/implant contact with focal load transfer via those areas, whereas varus placement limited to two areas (Figure 1). In both simulations, the greatest stress was observed at the proximal medial contact. With varus, average and peak stresses increased by 39% and 65% during walking and 28% and 35% during stair-climbing, respectively (Table 1). Micromotion was greatest over the proximal third of the interface, especially along lateral side (Figure 2). The 90. th. percentile values with the varus exceeded the neutral by 35% with walking and 28% with stair-climbing over the lateral interface. DISCUSSION. The proximal medial location of the greatest stress correlates well with clinical observations in PFF involving a posteromedial calcar fragment. Based on current lesser stress than the reported yield stress, loading during daily living activities may result in microdamage rather than an immediate PFF. However, impact loading such as hammering for stem insertion may introduce PFF at the location, especially with in varus. The increase in interfacial micromotion is expected to lead to increase in the risk for implant loosening, also leading to PFF. Further study is needed to confirm the validity and generalizability of these findings. SIGNIFICANCE/CLINICAL RELEVANCE. This study demonstrates the importance of proper alignment of femoral stems of a blade-type design. The misalignment (resulting in down-sizing) increased stress up to 65% and micromotion up to 35% around prosthesis, even during daily activities, thus increased attention to proper implant alignment and sizing is suggested when using components of this design. For any figures or tables, please contact the authors directly


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 98-B, Issue SUPP_10 | Pages 46 - 46
1 May 2016
Sopher R Amis A Calder J Jeffers J
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Introduction. Survival rates of recent total ankle replacement (TAR) designs are lower than those of other arthroplasty prostheses. Loosening is the primary indication for TAR revisions [NJR, 2014], leading to a complex arthrodesis often involving both the talocrural and subtalar joints. Loosening is often attributed to early implant micromotion, which impedes osseointegration at the bone-implant interface, thereby hampering fixation [Soballe, 1993]. Micromotion of TAR prostheses has been assessed to evaluate the stability of the bone-implant interface by means of biomechanical testing [McInnes et al., 2014]. The aim of this study was to utilise computational modelling to complement the existing data by providing a detailed model of micromotion at the bone-implant interface for a range of popular implant designs, and investigate the effects of implant misalignment during surgery. Methods. The geometry of the tibial and talar components of three TAR designs widely used in Europe (BOX®, Mobility® and SALTO®; NJR, 2014) was reverse-engineered, and models of the tibia and talus were generated from CT data. Virtual implantations were performed and verified by a surgeon specialised in ankle surgery. In addition to the aligned case, misalignment was simulated by positioning the talar components in 5° of dorsi- or plantar-flexion, and the tibial components in ± 5° and 10° varus/valgus and 5° and 10° dorsiflexion; tibial dorsiflexed misalignement was combined with 5° posterior gap to simulate this misalignment case. Finite element models were then developed to explore bone-implant micromotion and loads occurring in the bone in the implant vicinity. Results. Micromotion and bone loads peaked at the end of the stance phase for both the tibial and talar components. The aligned BOX and SALTO demonstrated lower tibial micromotion (with under 30% of bone-implant interface area subjected to micromotion larger than 100µm, as opposed to > 55% for Mobility; Figure 1). Talar micromotion was considerably lower for all designs, and no aligned talar component demonstrated micromotion larger than 100µm. The aligned SALTO showed the largest talar micromotion (Figure 2). Dorsiflexed implantation of all tibial components increased micromotion and bone strains compared to the reference case; interestingly, the SALTO tibial component, which demonstrated the lowest micromotion for the aligned case, also demonstrated the smallest changes in micromotion due to malpositioning (Figure 3). The posterior gap between the tibia and implant further increased bone strains. Dorsi- or plantar-flexed implantation of all talar components considerably increased micromotion and bone loads compared to the reference case (Figure 2), often resulting in micromotion exceeding 100µm. The SALTO talar component demonstrated the smallest changes in micromotion due to malpositioning. Discussion. The aligned Mobility had greater tibial micromotion than the SALTO and BOX, which agrees with higher revision rates reported in registry data (e.g. NZJR, 2014). The increased micromotion associated with dorsi- or plantar-flexion misalignment highlights the importance of aligning the implant correctly, and implies that SALTO can be more “forgiving” for malpositioning than the other TAR designs. Implant design and alignment are therefore important factors that affect the implant fixation and performance of the reconstructed ankle


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 102-B, Issue SUPP_2 | Pages 25 - 25
1 Feb 2020
Santos VD Cubillos PO Santos C De Mello Roesler CR Fancello EA
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Introduction. The use of bone cement as a fixation agent has ensured the long-term functionality of THA implants . 1. However, some studies have shown the undesirable effect of wear of stem-cement interface, due to the release of metals and polymeric debris lead to implant failure . 2,3. Debris is generated by the micromotion together with a severely corrosive medium present in the crevice of stem-cement interface . 3,4. FEA studies showed that micromotion can affect osseointegration and fretting wear . 5,6. The aim of this research is to investigate if the micromotions measures from in silico analysis of the stem-cement correlate with the fretting-corrosion damage observed on in vitro testing. Methods. The in vitro fretting-corrosion testing was made with positioning and loading based on ISO 7206-4 and ISO 7206-6. It was used Exeter stems embedded in bone cement (PMMA) and immersed in a saline solution (9.0 g/L of NaCl). A fatigue testing system (Instron 8872, USA) was used to conduct the test, applying a sinusoidal cyclic load at 5.0 Hz. The tests were finished after 10 million cycles and images of stem surfaces were taken with a photographic camera (Canon EOS Rebel T6i, Japan) and a stereoscope (Leica M165C, Germany). For the computational analysis, the same testing configurations were modeled on software ANSYS. The analysis was performed using linear isotropic elasticity for both stem (E=193GPa; ⱱ=0.27; σ. y. =400MPa) and PMMA cement (E=2.7GPa; ⱱ=0.35; σ. u. =76MPa). 7,8. . A second-order tetrahedral element was used to mesh all components with a size of 0.5 mm in the stem-cement contact area, increasing until 1.0 mm outside from them. A frictional contact (µ=0.25) with an augmented Lagrange formulation was used. The third cycle of loading was evaluated and a variation of sliding distance less than 10% was set as convergence criteria. The micromotion was measured as the sliding distance on the stem-cement interface. Results and Discussion. The in silico analysis showed the presence of areas almost without micromotion in the proximal lateral and distal medial regions. In these regions, there is no evidence of fretting-corrosion after the in vitro testing. The lack of micromotion is caused by the debonding due to testing configurations and implant design. The absence of contact doesn't allow wear by abrasion or third body, avoiding the fretting-corrosion damage. For the regions distal lateral and proximal medial, it is possible to observe fretting-corrosion due to micromotions, which is supported by the in silico analysis results. The region proximal medial had the highest micromotion on computational analysis and the fretting-corrosion was more severe on laboratory testing, reinforcing the relevance of micromotion in the fretting-corrosion damage on the stem-cement interface. Conclusion. The results indicate a correlation of micromotion calculated by in silico analysis and fretting-corrosion damage observed on in vitro testing. The developed FEA model may be a useful tool to predict the fretting-corrosion damage on the THA implants on pre-clinical testing. Additional efforts are needed to apply this tool on bone-implant systems to predict fretting-corrosion damage observed in vivo. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 98-B, Issue SUPP_3 | Pages 135 - 135
1 Jan 2016
Reimeringer M Nuno N
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Introduction. Typical failure of cementless total hip arthroplasty is the lack of initial stability. Indeed, presence of motion at the bone implant-interface leads to formation of fibrous tissue that prevents bone ingrowth, which in turn may lead to loosening of the implant. It has been shown that interfacial micromotion around 40 produces partial ingrowth, while micromotion exceeding 150 completely inhibits bone ingrowth. Finite element analyses (FEA) are widely used to evaluate the initial stability of cementless THA in pre-clinical validation. Untill now, most FE models developed to predict initial stability of cementless implants were performed based on static load, by selecting the greatest load at a particular time of the cycle activity, but in fact the hip is exposed to varied load during the activity. The aim of this study is to investigate the difference in the predicted micromotion induced by static, quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions. Materials & Methods. Finite element analysis (FEA) was performed on a Profemur®TL implanted into a composite bone. The implant orientation was validated in a previous study [3]. All materials were defined as linear isotropic homogeneous. Static and dynamic FEA was performed for the loading conditions defined by simulating stair-climbing. In the static analysis, the applied resultant force (calculated with a body weight of 836N) were 951N and 2107N to simulate the abductor muscle and the hip joint contact forces, respectively [4]. In the dynamic analysis, the applied resultant force can be seen on Fig. 1. The initial stability was extracted on 54 points (Fig. 2) located on the plasma spray surface by calculating the difference between the final displacement of the prosthesis and the final displacement of the composite bone. Results. The mean micromotion predicted with the static loading conditions is 32μm with a maximum of 76μm whereas the maximum micromotion predicted with dynamic loading conditions is 36μm with a maximum of 86μm. Micromotion predicted with dynamic load greater than the micromotion predicted with static load on 35 out of 54 points. In the superior portion of the prosthesis, micromotion predicted with static loading condition is greater on medial posterior and in lateral anterior faces. In the inferior portion, the micromotion. Discussion. Micromotion predicted by the dynamic loading condition is greater than that predicted with static loading condition. Moreover, 22 points are in the range of 50–150μm (range for partial osseointegration) with dynamic condition, whereas only 16 points are in this range with static condition. On the posterior inferior face, all points are in this range with the dynamic condition, whereas only 2 with static condition. However micromotion predicted at all points either by static or dynamic conditions are lower than 150μm, the threshold value with regard to osseointegration


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 95-B, Issue SUPP_34 | Pages 57 - 57
1 Dec 2013
Fitzpatrick CK Hemelaar P Taylor M
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Introduction:. Primary stability is crucial for long-term fixation of cementless tibial trays. Micromotion less than 50 μm is associated with stable bone ingrowth and greater than 150 μm causes the formation of fibrous tissue around the implant [1, 2]. Finite element (FE) analysis of complete activities of daily living (ADL's) have been used to assess primary stability, but these are computationally expensive. There is an increasing need to account for both patient and surgical variability when assessing the performance of total joint replacement. As a consequence, an implant should be evaluated over a spectrum of load cases. An alternative approach to running multiple FE models, is to perform a series of analyses and train a surrogate model which can then be used to predict micromotion in a fraction of the time. Surrogate models have been used to predict single metrics, such as peak micromotion. The aim of this work is to train a surrogate model capable of predicting micromotion over the entire bone-implant interface. Methods:. A FE model of an implanted proximal tibia was analysed [3] (Fig. 1). A statistical model of knee kinetics, incorporating subject-specific variability in all 6-DOF joint loads [4], was used to randomly generate loading profiles for 50 gait cycles. A Latin Hypercube (LH) sampling method was applied to sample 6-DOF loads of the new population throughout the gait cycle. Kinetic data was sampled at 10, 50 and 100 instances and FE predictions of micromotion were calculated and used to train a surrogate model capable of describing micromotion over the entire bone-implant interface. The surrogate model was tested for an unseen gait cycle and the resulting micromotions were compared with FE predictions. Results and discussion:. Accuracy of the surrogate model increased with increasing sample size in the training set; with a LH sample of 10, 50 and 100 trials, the surrogate model predicted micromotion at the bone-implant interface during gait with RMS accuracy of 61, 44 and 33 μm, respectively (Fig. 2). Similar range in micromotion was measured in FE and surrogate models; although the surrogate model tended to over-predict micromotion early in the gait cycle (Fig. 2). There was good agreement in location and magnitude of micromotion at the interface surface through out the gait cycle (Fig. 3). Although encouraging, further work is required to optimize the number and distribution of the training samples to minimize the error in the surrogate model. Analysis time for the FE model was 15 hours, compared to 30 seconds for the surrogate model. The results suggest that surrogate models have significant potential to rapidly predict micromotion over the entire bone-implant interface, allowing for a greater range in loading conditions to be explored than would be possible through conventional methods


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 102-B, Issue SUPP_2 | Pages 41 - 41
1 Feb 2020
Studders C Saliken D Shirzadi H Athwal G Giles J
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INTRODUCTION. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) provides an effective alternative to anatomic shoulder replacements for individuals with cuff tear arthropathy, but certain osteoarthritic glenoid deformities make it challenging to achieve sufficient long term fixation. To compensate for bone loss, increase available bone stock, and lateralize the glenohumeral joint center of rotation, bony increased offset RSA (BIO-RSA) uses a cancellous autograft for baseplate augmentation that is harvested prior to humeral head resection. The motivations for this computational study are twofold: finite element (FE) studies of BIO-RSA are absent from the literature, and guidance in the literature on screw orientations that achieve optimal fixation varies. This study computationally evaluates how screw configuration affects BIO-RSA graft micromotion relative to the implant baseplate and glenoid. METHODS. A senior shoulder specialist (GSA) selected a scapula with a Walch Type B2 deformity from patient CT scans. DICOM images were converted to a 3D model, which underwent simulated BIO-RSA with three screw configurations: 2 divergent superior & inferior locking screws with 2 convergent anterior & posterior compression screws (SILS); 2 convergent anterior & posterior locking screws and 2 superior & inferior compression screws parallel to the baseplate central peg (APLS); and 2 divergent superior & inferior locking screws and 2 divergent anterior & posterior compression screws (AD). The scapula was assigned heterogeneous bone material properties based on the DICOM images’ Hounsfield unit (HU) values, and other components were assigned homogenous properties. Models were then imported into an FE program for analysis. Anterior-posterior and superior-inferior point loads and a lateral-medial distributed load simulated physiologic loading. Micromotion data between the RSA baseplate and bone graft as well as between the bone graft and glenoid were sub-divided into four quadrants. RESULTS. In all but 1 quadrant, APLS performed the worst with the graft having an average micromotion of 347.1µm & 355.9 µm relative to the glenoid and baseplate, respectively. The SILS configuration ranked second, having 211.2 µm & 274.4 µm relative to the glenoid and baseplate. AD performed best, allowing 247.4 µm & 225.4 µm of graft micromotion relative to the glenoid and baseplate. DISCUSSION. Both APLS and SILS techniques are described in the literature for BIO-RSA fixation; however, the data indicate that AD is superior in its ability to reduce graft micromotion, and thus some revision to common practices may be necessary. While these micromotion data are larger than data in the extant RSA literature, there are several factors that account for this. First, to properly model the difference between locking and compression screws, we simulated friction between the compression screw heads and baseplate rather than a tied constraint as done in other studies, resulting in larger micromotion. Second, the trabecular bone graft is at greater risk of deforming than metallic spacers used when studying micromotion with glenosphere lateralization, increasing graft deflection magnitude. Future work will investigate the effects of various BIO-RSA variables. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 99-B, Issue SUPP_6 | Pages 92 - 92
1 Mar 2017
Wentorf F Parduhn C
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Introduction. In total knee arthroplasty (TKA), non-cemented implants rely on initial fixation to stabilize the implant in order to facilitate biologic fixation. The initial fixation can be affected by several different factors from type of implant surface, implant design, patient factors, and surgical technique. The initial fixation is traditionally quantified by measuring the motion between the implant and underlying bone during loading (micromotion). Extraction force has also been quantified for cementless devices. The question remains does an increase or decrease in extraction force affect micromotion based on the fact that most loading at the knee joint is in compression. The objective of this research is to investigate if there is any correlation between extraction force and implant micromotion. Methods. The relationship between extraction force and micromotion was evaluated by performing a series of experiments using a synthetic bone analog and a tibial baseplate with hexagon pegs. Tunnels for the hexagon pegs were machined into the synthetic bone analog with different diameters, from 9.7 to 11.7 mm. The smaller diameter tunnels increase the press fit between the peg and bone. Sixty-six implants were tested to determine maximum extraction force. The implants were extracted using an electro-mechanical testing frame at a rate of 0.4 inches / minute. Two different types of bone analogs were used for this evaluation. One was an open-cell foam with a density of 12.5 lb/ft. 3. and the other was a closed-cell foam with a density of 20 lb/ft. 3. . Twelve TKA implants were tested to determine the maximum anterior-lift off micromotion during a posterior load application. A posterior stabilized polyethylene insert and mating femoral component were used during the loading. The posterior load cycled from 90 to 900 N for 500 cycles. The micromotion was evaluated with the femur at 90 degrees of flexion. Differential Variable Reluctance Transducers (DVRTs) were located under the four corners of the implant to quantify the superior-inferior motion of the implant. A composite synthetic bone analog was used for this evaluation, with open-cell foam (12.5 lb/ft. 3. ) on the inside and closed-cell foam (50 lb/ft. 3. ) on the outside. Results. The extraction force was higher for the denser closed-cell foam (Figure 1A). The extraction force generally increased with decreasing tunnel diameter, but there was a plateau of extraction force between 10.9 mm and 10.1 mm for the open-cell foam and peaked at 10.7mm for the closed-cell foam. The micromotion in both posterior DVRTs were found to be similar for all tunnel diameters. The micromotion in both anterior DVRTs increased slightly when increasing tunnels diameters from 10.2 mm to 10.7 and 11.2 mm, but increased dramatically when increasing the tunnel diameter to 11.7 mm. Discussion. In this study using a synthetic bone model, a decrease in extraction force was found to correlate with an increase in anterior lift-off micromotion (Figure 2). Next steps are to confirm these results from this simplified model in a more physiologic model with cadaveric bone and activity based loading. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly (see Info & Metrics tab above).


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 99-B, Issue SUPP_5 | Pages 48 - 48
1 Mar 2017
Nambu S Ewing M Timmerman I Roark M Fitch D
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INTRODUCTION. Recently there have been case reports of component fractures and elevated metal ion levels potentially resulting from the use of cobalt-chrome modular necks in total hip arthroplasty. One potential cause that has been suggested is fretting corrosion caused by micromotion at the taper junction between the modular neck and the femoral stem. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of various impaction and loading methods on micromotion at the modular neck-femoral stem interface in a total hip replacement system. METHODS. A femoral stem was potted using dental acrylic and displacement transducers were inserted to measure micromotion in the modular neck pocket (Figure 1a). An 8° varus, long, cobalt-chrome, modular neck and 28 mm XXL cobalt-chrome femoral head were inserted in the femoral stem using various assembly techniques (a) hand assembly, (b) impaction loads: 2, 3, 4, 6, 16.4 kN and (c) in- vivo simulated impaction loads (constructs were placed on top of a block of ballistic gel (Clear Ballistic LLC, Fort Smith AR) and impacted): 2, 4, and 16.4 kN (Figure 1b). Impaction was obtained by placing the construct in a drop tower and impacting them. All constructs were oriented in 10/9 as per ISO 7206-6 and tested in an MTS machine with a sinusoidal load of 2.3 kN for 1,000 cycles in air at frequency of 10 Hz (Figure 1a). Micromotion data was recorded. To simulate the loading experienced with heavier patients and/or higher impact activities, selected constructs (as shown in Table 1) were sinusoidally loaded with 5.34 Kn load. Three samples were tested for all methods described above. RESULTS. Micromotion decreased as impaction forces increased (Table 1). There was a significant reduction in micromotion for impaction forces of 4, 6, and 16.4 kN when compared to hand assembled constructs. There was also a significant difference between 16.4 kN and each of the other impaction methods. The presence of ballistic gel to simulate in-vivo impaction did not significantly affect micromotion for any of the impaction forces. Increasing the loading force to 5.34 kN significantly increased micromotion for each of the assembly methods. DISCUSSION. Modular necks assembled by hand generated nearly twice as much micromotion as those assembled with 16.4 kN impaction force. There was significantly less micromotion following impaction with 16.4 kN than all other impaction forces, which reinforces the manufacturer's recommendation of impacting the neck with 3 firm mallet blows (∼ 17 kN). To the authors' knowledge this is the first study to simulate in-vivo impaction using ballistic gel. The use of ballistic gel did not result in statistically significant increases in micromotion. This suggests the recommendation of three firm mallet blows is still appropriate during in-vivo impaction. As expected, increased loading forces resulted in greater micromotion. This implies that apart from assembly impaction forces, increased load forces present in heavier patients or due to higher activity levels may result in higher levels of micromotion. For figures/tables, please contact authors directly.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 98-B, Issue SUPP_10 | Pages 140 - 140
1 May 2016
Yildirim G Gopalakrishnan A Davignon R Zeller A Pearle A Conditt M
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Introduction. Cementless unicondylar knee implants are intended to offer surgeons the potential of a faster and less invasive surgery experience in comparison to cemented procedures. However, initial 8 week fixation with micromotion less than 150µm is crucial to their survivorship1 to avoid loosening2. Methods. Test methods by Davignon et al3 for micromotion were used to assess fixation of the MAKO UKR Tritanium (MAKO) (Stryker, NJ) and the Oxford Cementless UKR (Biomet, IN). Data was analyzed to determine the activities of daily living (ADL) that generate the highest forces and displacements4, 5. Stair ascent with 3.2BW compressive posterior tibial load was identified to be an ADL which may cause the most micromotion5. Based on previous studies6, 10,000 cycles was set as the run-time. The AP and IE profiles were scaled back to 60% for the Oxford samples to prevent the congruent insert from dislocating. A four-axis test machine (MTS, MN) was used. The largest size UKRs were prepared per manufacturer's surgical technique. Baseplates were inserted into Sawbones (Pacific Research, WA) blocks1. Femoral components were cemented to arbors. The medial compartment was tested, and the lateral implants were attached to balance the loads. Five tests were conducted for each implant with a new Sawbones and insert for each test per the test method3. The ARAMIS System (GOM, Germany) was used to measure relative motion between the baseplate and the Sawbones at three anteromedial locations (Fig. 1). Peak-Peak (P-P) micromotion was calculated in the compressive and A/P directions. FEA studies replicating the most extreme static loading positions for MAKO micromotion were conducted to compare with the physical test results using ANSYS14.5 (ANSYS, PA). Results. MAKO had a maximum axial motion of 36µm (SD=5.28) at gage 2. Oxford had an average gage 1 axial and A/P motion of 109µm (SD=31.77) and 44mm (SD=28.62) respectively (Fig. 2A). FEA correlated well with the MAKO results (Fig. 2B). Discussion. Oxford has been shown to have microseparation in lab testing conditions and the studies by Liddle et al7 under the same stair ascent activity. However, based on our results, MAKO and Oxford are both expected to allow interdigitation for long-term fixation. The Sawbones model does not allow plastic deformation in axial compression and subsequent stabilization, which could allow Oxford to achieve the fixation and clinical success shown in outcome studies. A/P prep for Oxford allows for 3mm gap between the keel and the bone which may explain the variability in the X direction. Distal flatness of the Oxford varied by 0.5mm as shown on Figure 3. The flatness of the boundary of the implant may explain the elevated micromotion observed for Oxford implant. Future studies will concentrate on FEA of manufactured Oxford components to take into account the geometric discrepancies from a perfectly flat model. Davignon et al3 and this study show that the MAKO is expected to achieve long-term fixation in the initial fixation stages similar to the clinically successful Oxford cementless UKR


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 98-B, Issue SUPP_9 | Pages 121 - 121
1 May 2016
Pastrav L Leuridan S Goossens Q Smits J Stournaras I Roosen J Desmet W Denis K Vander Sloten J Mulier M
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Introduction. The success of cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA), primary as well as for revision, largely depends on the initial stability of the femoral implant. In this respect, several studies have estimated that the micromotion at the bone-implant interface should not exceed 150µm (Jasty 1997, Viceconti 2000) in order to ensure optimal bonding between bone and implant. Therefore, evaluating the initial stability through micromotion measurements serves as a valid method towards reviewing implant design and its potential for uncemented THAs. In general, the methods used to measure the micromotion assume that the implant behaves as a rigid body. While this could be valid for some primary stems (Østbyhaug 2010), studies that support the same assumption related to revision implants were not found. The aim of this study is to assess the initial stability of a femoral revision stem, taking into account possible non-rigid behaviour of the implant. A new in vitro measuring method to determine the micromotion of femoral revision implants is presented. Both implant and bone induced displacements under cyclic load are measured locally. Methods. A Profemur R modular revision stem (MicroPort Orthopedics Inc. Arlington, TN, United States of America) and artificial femora (composite bone 4th generation #3403, Sawbones Europe AB, Malmö, Sweden) prepared by a surgeon were used. The micromotions were measured in proximal-distal, medial-lateral or anterior-posterior directions at four locations situated in two transverse planes, using pin and bushing combinations. At each measuring location an Ø8mm bushing was attached to the bone, and a concentric Ø3mm pin was attached to the implant [Fig.1 and 2]. A supporting structure used to hold either guiding bushings or linear variable displacement transducers (LVDT) is attached to the proximal part of the implant. The whole system was installed on a hydraulic force bench (PC160N, Schenck GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany) and 250 physiological loading cycles were applied [Fig.3]. Results. By combining the local bone and implant displacements, the relative average micromotion appeared to be less than 25µm in the proximal region and less than 50µm in the distal region. These data correspond to a regular implant-bone fit. Also the micromotion is on average larger in the medial-lateral plane than in the posterior-anterior plane. If the implant deformations were not taken into account then the average values for micromotion were overestimated up to 20µm at proximal levels, and up to 140µm at distal levels. Conclusion. Good initial stability is achieved in each case, suggesting a successful long-term outcome. These findings are consistent with a success rate of 96% reported for the used implant over an average of 10 years (Köster 2008). To adequately evaluate the initial stability of femoral implants, the non-rigid behaviour cannot be ignored. Acknowledgments. This research is supported by BVOT (Belgian Association for Orthopaedics and Traumatology) and Impulse Fund KU Leuven


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 95-B, Issue SUPP_15 | Pages 207 - 207
1 Mar 2013
Johns B Pelletier M Bertollo N Hancock N Walsh W Bruce W
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Introduction. Initial stability of the tibial component influences the success of uncemented total knee arthroplasty. In uncemented components, osseointegration provides long-term fixation which is particularly important for the tibial component. Osseointegration is facilitated by minimising bone-implant interface micromotion to within acceptable limits. To investigate initial stability, this study compares the micromotion and initial seating of two uncemented hydroxyapatite-coated tibial components, the Genesis II and Profix. This is the first stability comparison of two hydroxyapatite-coated tibial components. Methods. Six components of each type were implanted into synthetic tibias by a single orthopaedic surgeon. Good coverage was achieved. No screws or articular inserts were used. Initial seating was measured using ImageJ software at five areas on each tibia. Tibias were transected and their proximal section implanted into a molten alloy parallel to horizontal. Dynamic mechanical testing was performed using a hydraulic 858-Bionix machine. Prostheses underwent unilateral axial point-loading of 700N cyclically applied four times. The load was applied to three locations approximating femoral loading points. The loading cycle was repeated six times at each point, allowing micromotion to be recorded at three contralateral locations. Micromotion was measured by optical lasers. After dynamic testing, two tibial components of each type were removed with claw pliers while measuring the force required on the 858-Bionix machine. Implant under-surfaces were photographed for wear. Results. The micromotion readings allowed a directional (subsidence or lift-off) movement profile to be constructed. The absolute micromotion recordings demonstrated areas experiencing the most micromotion. Micromotion was not significantly different between components (P>0.05). Absolute micromotion during posterolateral loading was significantly different (P<0.05). Loading points producing the most absolute micromotion were antero- and centrolateral in Genesis II prostheses and anteromedial and posterolateral in Profix prostheses. The areas which showed the greatest absolute micromotion were anteromedial in Genesis II prostheses and posteromedial and posterolateral in Profix prostheses. Average absolute micromotion did not exceed 75μm. Initial gap ranged from 535–633 μm in Genesis II prostheses and 631–799 μm in Profix prostheses. Initial gap did not significantly correlate with either prosthesis. Pullout force was significantly different (P<0.0001), requiring less than 75N for Profix prostheses and greater than 150N for Genesis II prostheses. Wear was seen anteromedially in all Profix components. In Profix prostheses the only loading point to consistently produce liftoff was anteromedially. Conclusions. Average micromotion is not significantly different in Genesis II and Profix trays during point loading central condylar areas in synthetic tibias. With posterolateral loading the Genesis II was significantly more stable. Unilateral loading demonstrated a pivot type micromotion pattern about the tibial stem in both designs. Seating was not a significant factor influencing micromotion, presumably while the initial gap is small (<800μm). The deficit of an anteromedial peg in the Profix prostheses predisposes to liftoff when this point is loaded. Using a force approximating that of walking, distributed through typical femoral loading points, results in micromotion in both designs at a level not expected to prevent osseointegration


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 101-B, Issue SUPP_5 | Pages 131 - 131
1 Apr 2019
Peckenpaugh E Maag C Metcalfe A Langhorn J Heldreth M
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Introduction. Aseptic loosening of total knee replacements is a leading cause for revision. It is known that micromotion has an influence on the loosening of cemented implants though it is not yet well understood what the effect of repeated physiological loading has on the micromotion between implants and cement mantle. This study aims to investigate effect of physiological loading on the stability of tibial implants previously subjected to simulated intra-operative lipid/marrow infiltration. Methods. Three commercially available fixed bearing tibial implant designs were investigated in this study: ATTUNE. ®. , PFC SIGMA. ®. CoCr, ATTUNE. ®. S+. The implant designs were first prepared using a LMI implantation process. Following the method described by Maag et al tibial implants were cemented in a bone analog with 2 mL of bone marrow in the distal cavity and an additional reservoir of lipid adjacent to the posterior edge of the implant. The samples were subjected to intra- operative range of motion (ROM)/stability evaluation using an AMTI VIVO simulator, then a hyperextension activity until 15 minutes of cement cure time, and finally 3 additional ROM/stability evaluations were performed. Implant specific physiological loading was determined using telemetric tibial implant data from Orthoload and applying it to a validated FE lower limb model developed by the University of Denver. Two high demand activities were selected for the loading section of this study: step down (SD) and deep knee bend (DKB). Using the above model, 6 degree of freedom kinetics and kinematics for each activity was determined for each posterior stabilized implant design. Prior to loading, the 3-D motion between tibial implant and bone analog (micromotion) was measured using an ARAMIS Digital Image Correlation (DIC) system. Measurement was taken during the simulated DKB at 0.25Hz using an AMTI VIVO simulator while the DIC system captured images at a frame rate of 10Hz. The GOM software calculated the distance between reference point markers applied to the posterior implant and foam bone. A Matlab program calculated maximum micromotion within each DKB cycle and averaged that value across five cycles. The implant specific loading parameters were then applied to the three tibial implant designs. Using an AMTI VIVO simulator each sample was subjected to 50,000 DKB and 120,000 SD cycles at 0.8Hz in series; equating to approximately 2 years of physiological activity. Following loading, micromotion was measured using the same method as above. Results. Initial micomotion measurements during DKB activity for ATTUNE. ®. , PFC SIGMA. ®. CoCr, ATTUNE. ®. S+ were 155µm, 246µm, and 104µm, respectively, and following physiological loading were 159µm, 264µm, and 112µm, respectively. While there was statistical significance between the micromotion of implant designs (p<0.05), there was no significance between before and after loading. Conclusion. This study shows there is no significant change in micromotion after approximately 2 years of physiological loading. However, there is a significant difference in micromotion between implant designs


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 98-B, Issue SUPP_1 | Pages 155 - 155
1 Jan 2016
Ghosh R Paul S Rubel YSA Paul A Saha D
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Introduction. Long-term success of the cementless acetabular component has been depends on amount of bone ingrowth around porous coated surface of the implant, which is mainly depends on primary stability, i.e. amount of micromotion at the implant-bone interface. The accurate positioning of the uncemented acetabular component and amount of interference fit (press-fit) at the rim of the acetabulum are necessary to reduce the implant-bone micromotion and that can be enhancing the bone ingrowth around the uncemented acetabular component. However, the effect of implant orientations and amount of press-fit on implant-bone micromotion around uncemented acetabular component has been relatively under investigated. The aim of the study is to identify the effect of acetabular component orientation on implant-bone relative micromotion around cementless metallic acetabular component. Materials and Method. Three-dimensional finite element (FE) model of the intact and implanted pelvises were developed using CT-scan data [1]. Five implanted pelvises model, having fixed antiversion angle (25°) and different acetabular inclination angle (30°, 35°, 40°, 45° and 50°), were generated in order to understand the effect of implant orientation on implant-bone micromotion around uncemented metallic acetabular component. The CoCrMo alloy was chosen for the implant material, having 54 mm outer diameter and 48 mm bearing diameter [1]. Heterogeneous cancellous bone material properties were assigned using CT-scan data and power law relationship [1], whereas, the cortical bone was assumed homogeneous and isotropic [1]. In the implanted pelvises models, 1 mm diametric press-fit was simulated between the rim of the implant and surrounding bone. Six nodded surface-to-surface contact elements with coefficient of friction of 0.5 were assigned at the remaining portion of the implant–bone interface [1]. Twenty-one muscle forces and hip-joint forces corresponds to peak hip-joint force of a normal walking cycle (13%) were used for the applied loading condition. Fixed constrained was prescribed at the sacroiliac joint and pubis-symphysis [1]. A submodelling technique was implemented, in order to get more accurate result around implant-bone interface [1]. Results and Discussions. The peak implant-bone sliding interfacial micromotion was observed around 75 microns around superior and supero-posterior regions of the acetabulum, whereas, micromotion was below 50 microns around other regions (area). As compared to other regions, less implant-bone micromotions were observed at the central region of the acetabulum and anterior part of the acetabulum, where micromotions were varied in the range between 5 microns to 30 microns. Although, the generated peak implant-bone sliding micromotion around the uncemented acetabulum was not vary notably due to change in inclination angle of the acetabular component, changes in patterns of implant-bone micromotions were observed and as shown [Fig.1]. Results of the present study indicated that the positioning of the uncemented acetabular component have influence on patterns of implant-bone micromotion and that might have influence on bone ingrowth and long-term success of uncemented acetabular component


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 99-B, Issue SUPP_4 | Pages 73 - 73
1 Feb 2017
Kirking B
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Shortened humeral stem implants can be advantageous as they preserve more of the patient's bone and are not limited by the canal for placement in the proximal body. However, traditional longer stems may help stabilize the implant through interaction with the dense cortical bone of the canal. We developed an FEA model to gage the contributions of design features such as stem length, coatings, and interference fit. Models were constructed in FEMAP and solved using the NX Nastran advanced nonlinear static solver. The Turon (DJO Surgical) implant geometry was imported from a Solidworks CAD file and bone geometry was taken from a statistical shape model by Materialise representing the mean humeral geometry of 95 healthy humeri (avg age = 69.9 years). Implant and cancellous bone were considered to be linear homogeneous materials, and the cortical shell was modeled as orthotropic. Interference fits between the implant and cancellous bone surfaces were modeled using the gap feature of NX Nastran with friction coefficients corresponding to the surface finish. Loading was applied through a control node located at the center for the replacement head. Two loading conditions were analyzed, one representing torsion about the neck axis with a magnitude of 3140 Nm and one representing the peak load vector during activities of daily living. Using resection plane nodes at the intersection of the implant and bone, the histograms of micromotion and the associated 5. th. , 50. th. , and 95. th. percentile values were calculated. For a traditional length stem, the dominate effect on the predicted micromotion at the resection plane was the interference fit in the coating region. The contribution of a traditional length stem to resection plane micromotion was complex and depended on the presence of the stem and the amount of interference fit in the coating region


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 95-B, Issue SUPP_34 | Pages 158 - 158
1 Dec 2013
Reimeringer M Nuño N
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Introduction. Modeling the press-fit that occurs in Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) cementless implants is crucial for the prediction of micromotion using finite element analysis (FEA). Some studies investigated the effect of the press-fit magnitude and found a direct influence on the micromotion [1,2]. They assumed in their model that press-fit occurs throughout the prosthesis. However [3] found using computed tomography measurement that only 43% of the stem-bone interfaces is really in contact. The aim of this study is to investigate the press-fit effect at the stem-bone interface on the implant micromotion. Methods. Finite element analysis (FEA) was performed on a Profemur® TL implanted into a Sawbones®. The implant orientation was validated in a previous study [4]. All materials were defined as linear isotropic homogeneous. FEA was carried out for the static loading conditions defined by [5] simulating walking fastly. Frictional contact between the bone and the prosthesis was assumed all along the prosthesis with a coefficient μ set to 0, 63 for the plasma spray (Fig. 1a) and 0,39 for the polished surface (Fig. 1b) [6]. Firstly, FEA was performed without press-fit (Fig. 2a) and then press-fit was simulated with an interference of 0,05 mm [2] between stem and bone in specific areas: superior (Fig. 2b), intermediate (Fig. 2c), inferior (Fig. 2d), and cortical alone (Fig. 2e) and finally over the entire surface in contact with the bone. The press-fit effect at the stem-bone interface on the micromotion was investigated. Measurement of the micromotion was realised on different points located on the plasma spray surface by calculating the difference between the final displacement of the prosthesis and the final displacement of the bone. Results. When press-fit is applied along the entire stem-bone interface, micromotion is lower than 10 μm. In the case when no press fit is simulated, micromotion is in the range of 11 μm and 48 μm. When press-fit is included where only cortical bone is (small areas mid-way proximal and medial part), micromotion is in the range of 17 μm and 30 μm. When the press-fit is included where inferior cancellous bone is (more distal), micromotion is between 9 μm and 38 μm. When the press-fit is included in the intermediate cancellous bone (mid-way), micromotion is between 1 μm and 47 μm. Finally, when press-fit is involved in the superior cancellous bone (more proximal) alone, micromotion is in the range of 4 μm and 12 μm. The results are shown on Fig. 3. Discussion. The maximum stem-bone interface micromotions calculated in this study always remain lower than 50 μm. [7] shows that interfacial micromotion greater than 40 μm produces only partial ingrowth. This indicates that in our study, in all cases investigated the primary stability was not compromised. In general, press-fit increased the primary stability. Our results indicate that press-fit in the proximal area improves widely the primary stability of this prosthesis, especially if the implant is in direct contact with cortical and cancellous bone


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 98-B, Issue SUPP_8 | Pages 26 - 26
1 May 2016
Hanzlik J Day J Kurtz S Verdonschot N Janssen D
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Introduction. 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. Patients & Methods. 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]. Results. The modular tibial tray showed lower shear micromotion than the monoblock design for shear micromotion (Fig-2). Tensile micromotion was similar between the two designs (Fig-2). Lower bone quality resulted in higher shear micromotion for the modular tibial tray design. The effect of lower bone quality on shear micromotion was less apparent for the monoblock tibial tray design. For both designs, change in the bone quality had minimal effect on the tensile micromotion. For both designs, standing up and descending stairs showed lower micromotion than walking for both the tensile and shear micromotion (Fig-3). The monoblock design showed higher micromotion for standing up and descending stairs compared to the modular design (Fig-3). Discussion. In our analysis, activity type had the highest effect on micromotion. Additionally, the modular design showed lower shear micromotion than the monoblock. Although the designs were similar for the the modular and monoblock implants, the difference in micromotion, representing the initial stability of the implant, may partially explain why retrieved modular porous tantalum tibial trays had higher bone ingrowth than the monoblock design


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 98-B, Issue SUPP_1 | Pages 101 - 101
1 Jan 2016
Crosnier E Scrivens D Keogh PS Miles A
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Introduction. The hip joint is subjected to cyclic loading during activities of daily living and this can induce micromotion at the bone-implant interfaces of uncemented implants. Osseointegration, which is essential for long term implant survival, will occur when micromotion at these interfaces is below 40µm and may occur up to 150µm [1]. Studies investigating the micromotion of press-fit acetabular cups only report micromotions in one direction. Standard methods also maintain a static cup position throughout testing; usually at the angle of maximum resultant force during gait. Current methods therefore do not take into account the effect of motion of the hip on micromotion of the cup, nor do they investigate all six degree of freedom (DoF) of motion. The aim of this study was to assess press-fit cup micromotion in six DoF under physiological loading when the cup is held statically and moved in flexion-extension. Methods. A cementless acetabular cup (Trident, Stryker) was implanted into polyurethane foam blocks (Sawbones, density = 0.48g/cm³) with a 1mm press-fit. The blocks were manufactured to replicate important anatomical features, which model the acetabulum (Figure 1). A six DoF measurement system was rigidly attached to the bottom of the cup through the dome screw hole and micromotion was measured using six LVDT sensors (Figure 2). The micromotion of the cup was measured under three conditions. Firstly, the cup was tested statically at 30° flexion, representing heel strike during gait; secondly, under dynamic motion simulating gait (30° flexion to −15° extension; 0.5Hz); and finally, under dynamic motion simulating stair climb (45° flexion to −15° extension; 0.5Hz) [2]. For all conditions, the cup was cyclically loaded to a peak load of 2.0kN for 1000 cycles at 1Hz. The loading cycles were synchronised with the flexion-extension movement in order to achieve a loading peak at both heel strike and toe-off positions. Results. During all of the tests, micromotions in the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior directions, and the resultant of the anterior-posterior tilt, were above 40µm (Figure 2). When tested statically, the micromotions in the medial-lateral and in the anterior-posterior directions were similar in magnitude. However, when the cup was subjected to dynamic motion, the micromotion in the anterior-posterior direction increased substantially in magnitude. It was at its highest during simulated stair climb. The anterior-posterior tilt also increased substantially under dynamic motion. Discussion and Conclusions. This study is the first to measure the micromotion in six DoF of a press-fit acetabular cup under both physiological loading conditions and dynamic hip motion. The results indicate that, compared to static tests, the micromotion of the cup increases under dynamic hip motion. Results also showed that all DoF need to be considered when investigating micromotion of the cup as substantial micromotion was seen in more than one direction. Moving forwards, future pre-clinical tests investigating micromotion of press-fit acetabular cups should include dynamic motion and measure all DoF of the cup