Purpose: The aim of the study was to experimentally evaluate a proposed two-part implantation system (medullary part made of PEEK composite and percutaneous part made of Ti6Al4V) for bone-anchored prosthesis and to compare it to typical press-fit design (also made of Ti6Al4V) used for the same purpose.
Methods: Simplified prototypes of both implants were prepared for the research. Both implants were evaluated in vitro with the use of porcine femur (6 bones for each implant). ARAMIS vision system was used to measure strains in selected area of bone shaft, generated when putting an axial load on the implants to simulate static load bearing exercises performed during rehabilitation activities in primary stabilisation.
Results: Obtained maps revealed high concentrations of strains, located near to distal part of the implant, during using a typical press-fit design with relatively low strain around the implant's shaft. In the case of proposed design, noticeable strains occurred in the entire examined area of bone, with stronger concentration towards the proximal direction.
Conclusions: Presented experimental results suggest that proposed design provides more appropriate implant-bone load transfer than typically used press-fit design. This may result in obtaining more beneficial mechanobiological stimulus which enables the researchers to achieve appropriate primary stability and maintain appropriate bone quality during its long-term use after achieving full osseointegration.