Article

Load-bearing exercises are performed by transfemoral amputees fitted
with an osseointegrated implant to facilitate bone remodelling. OBJECTIVE: This
study presents the loading compliance comparing loads prescribed and applied on
the three axes of the implant during static load-bearing exercises with a
specific emphasis on axial and vectorial comparisons. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study.
METHODS: A total of 11 fully rehabilitated unilateral transfemoral amputees
fitted with an osseointegrated implant performed five trials in four loading
conditions using a static standing frame. The load prescribed was monitored using
a vertical single-axis strain gauge connected to an electronic display. The
tri-axial forces applied on the implant were measured directly with an
instrumented pylon including a six-channel transducer. The analysis included
'axial' and 'vectorial' comparisons corresponding to the difference between the
force applied on the long axis of the implant and the load prescribed as well as
the resultant of the three components of the load applied and the load
prescribed, respectively. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that axial and
vectorial differences were significant in all conditions ( p < 0.05), except for
the vectorial difference for the 40 kg condition ( p = 0.182). CONCLUSION: The
significant lack of axial compliance led to systematic underloading of the long
axis of the implant. Clinical relevance This study contributes to a better
understanding of the load applied on an osseointegrated implant during the static
load-bearing exercises that could contribute to improve the design of apparatus
to monitor loading exercises as well as clinical guidelines for the loading
progression during rehabilitation.

Langue : ANGLAIS