Static load bearing exercises of individuals with transfemoral amputation fitted with an osseointegrated implant: Loading compliance:

Background:Load-bearing exercises are performed by transfemoral amputees fitted with an osseointegrated implant to facilitate bone remodelling.Objective:This study presents the loading compliance comparing loads prescribed and applied on the three axes of the implant during static load-bearing exercises with a specific emphasis on axial and vectorial comparisons.Study design:Cohort study.Methods:A total of 11 fully rehabilitated unilateral transfemoral amputees fitted with an osseointegrated implant performed five trials in four loading conditions using a static standing frame. The load prescribed was monitored using a vertical single-axis strain gauge connected to an electronic display. The tri-axial forces applied on the implant were measured directly with an instrumented pylon including a six-channel transducer. The analysis included ‘axial’ and ‘vectorial’ comparisons corresponding to the difference between the force applied on the long axis of the implant and the load prescribed as well as the result...