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A study of the bone-cement interface in upper limb prostheses not subjected to loading
R Capanna1, J R Van Horn, P Ruggieri
1First Orthopaedic Clinic, Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, Bologna.
Italian Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
|March 1, 1987
Summary
A radiolucent band at the cement-bone interface, common in lower limb prostheses, also appears in upper limb replacements. This non-progressive finding in stress-free prostheses suggests loading is not the sole cause.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomaterials science
- Radiology
Background:
- A radiolucent band at the cement-bone interface is a common, yet controversial, finding in lower limb prostheses.
- Stress related to mechanical loading is considered a potential causal factor for this phenomenon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolution and behavior of the radiolucent line at the bone-cement interface in upper limb prostheses.
- To determine if significant loading is a necessary factor for the development of radiolucent bands.
Main Methods:
- Study of 31 upper limb prostheses designed for replacement of the proximal humerus after bone tumor excision.
- Analysis of prostheses not subjected to significant loading or stress.
- Observation of the development and progression of radiolucent bands at the bone-cement interface.
Main Results:
- The development of a radiolucent band was observed in these upper limb prostheses.
- The incidence and appearance of the radiolucent band were not significantly different from lower limb prostheses under loading.
- The radiolucent bands in this cohort were nonprogressive, with no evidence of prosthesis loosening.
Conclusions:
- The presence of a radiolucent band at the bone-cement interface may not solely be attributed to mechanical loading.
- The findings suggest a multifactorial etiology for radiolucent bands, independent of significant stress.
- Nonprogressive radiolucent bands in stress-free conditions do not necessarily indicate prosthesis loosening.