Abstract
Background and purpose Bone-anchored titanium implants have been used for anchorage of amputation prostheses for more than one and a half decades. Histo-logical and ultrastructural analyses were performed on a forearm amputation prosthesis after being in use for more than 11 years.
Material, methods and results The implant was retrieved from the ulnar bone after a fatigue fracture of the titanium implant, and was clinically stable at the time of removal. The histological findings showed a large amount of bone within the threads and a high degree of apposition of mineralized bone to the implant surface. Ultrastructural analysis of thin samples prepared by focused ion-beam microscopy revealed an electron-dense layer at the interface and direct apposition of crystalline hydroxyapatite at the implant surface.
Interpretation Our observations in this retrieval study provide a structural correlate to the functional properties and clinical results of amputation prostheses.
Contributions of authors
PT, RB, HE, and TJ designed the study. RB performed the surgery. RB and AP gathered the patient data. TJ and LE gathered the measured data. AP, TJ, and LE performed data analysis. AP wrote the first draft.