A magnetically augmented elbow prosthesis: design and biomechanical evaluation

Magnetically augmented joint prostheses are a relatively new concept. A prototype of an elbow prosthesis with a magnetically constrained axis was designed by the authors and subjected to various tests. It demonstrated greater stability than nonhinged devices. The magnetic bearing reduces the tensile and rotatory forces on the prosthetic fixation that occur with a constrained hinge device, thus preventing loosening and breakage.