Introduction: The proximal femur is a frequent localisation of maligne bone tumors. Aseptic loosening has become the major complication in proximal femoral replacement by tumorendoprosthesis. Stress shielding in bone tissue is a factor causing aseptic loosening. Objective: The purpose of this biomechanic lab research was to evaluate the influence of intramedullary stem length and material on load transmission and strain distribution into the femoral bone in different resection heights. Material and methods: After analysing tumor patient data of the Klinik für Orthopädie und Sportorthopädie der TU München, intramedullary round stems with a length of 80 mm, 120 mm und 160 mm made from CoCrMo, TiAl4V6 and a carbon fibre reinforced epoxy material(CFK) were consecutively implantet in resection heights of 80 mm, 160 mm und 240 mm distally the femoral head. Composite Femora by Pacific Research Labs. were used after mechanical validation. To obtain a relevant load situation, a PC program to calculate the loads along the whole femur during gait cycle was developed. Maximum bone loads occur shortly after heel strike. This load situation was transmitted by a frame construction to the implant/bone compound. Bone surface strains mere measured by photoelastic coating technique, whereby the reinforcing effect of the coating was evaluated before. Strains were first measured in the intact femurs and then in the femurs with the implants after resection in the different heights. We analysed the relative (percental) reduction of the measured principal strain differences (PSD) of the resected femurs compared to the intact ones. Results: Directly underneath the osteotomy an area of strong stress shielding was seen independent to the implant type. This causes perhaps general problems in this region. Along the diaphysis, a reduction of bone strains correlating to stem length and stiffness was seen, whereby this effect was mounting with increasing resection height. Stem length was the more important factor with a maximum difference in PSD reduction of 54% between stems made of the same material, compared to the material effect, which caused max. 19% difference in PSD reduction. Furthermore, strain peaks could be localized. Distally the implant stems, strains were the same like on the intact femur. Conclusions: Stem length should not exceed 120mm if possible. Titanium alloys should be preferred. Possibly, shorter stems and new materials like CFK could lead to better long term results, but this has to be evaluated in further studies. This study builds a base for such researches concerning optimisation of proximal femoral replacement.
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