Article

The purpose of this proof-of-concept study was to determine the relevance of
direct measurements to monitor the load applied on the osseointegrated fixation
of transfemoral amputees during static load bearing exercises. The objectives
were (A) to introduce an apparatus using a three-dimensional load transducer, (B)
to present a range of derived information relevant to clinicians, (C) to report
on the outcomes of a pilot study and (D) to compare the measurements from the
transducer with those from the current method using a weighing scale. One
transfemoral amputee fitted with an osseointegrated implant was asked to apply 10
kg, 20 kg, 40 kg and 80 kg on the fixation, using self-monitoring with the
weighing scale. The loading was directly measured with a portable kinetic system
including a six-channel transducer, external interface circuitry and a laptop. As
the load prescribed increased from 10 kg to 80 kg, the forces and moments applied
on and around the antero-posterior axis increased by four-fold anteriorly and
14-fold medially, respectively. The forces and moments applied on and around the
medio-lateral axis increased by nine-fold laterally and 16-fold from anterior to
posterior, respectively. The long axis of the fixation was overloaded and
underloaded in 17% and 83% of the trials, respectively, by up to + or - 10%. This
proof-of-concept study presents an apparatus that can be used by clinicians
facing the challenge of improving basic knowledge on osseointegration, for the
design of equipment for load bearing exercises and for rehabilitation programs.
CI - Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS