Novel applications of osseointegration in orthopedic limb salvage surgery

Abstract

Osseointegration is a biologic process vital to modern endoprosthetic fixation in orthopedic surgery. Numerous engineering advancements have improved the utilization of this technology in orthopedics; however, issues such as stress shielding, aseptic loosening, and bone loss remain an ongoing challenge. These host responses are especially problematic in limb salvage surgery. Novel applications of osseointegration have been developed to address some of these fixation issues with massive tumor endoprostheses. This articles reviews osseointegration and emerging novel applications of this technology in limb salvage surgery and future prosthetics for amputees.

Keywords: Bone loss; Compressive osseointegration; Limb salvage surgery; Revision surgery; Stress shielding; Tumor endoprosthesis.