A retrospective study of silicone elastomer implants used clinically as a flexible
implant in the metacarpophalangeal (MP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints
in humans indicated a 7.6% implant fracture failure rate. Implant fractures appeared
to occur from tear propagation due to damage resulting from the impingement of the
sharp bone edges upon the implant’s surface. A protective synthetic bone liner was
devised to reduce in vivo damage and prevent implant failures. The rabbit stifle was used as the animal model
for the human metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joint and 73 implant
arthroplasties were successfully performed.
Key words
Bone liner - Flexible implant arthroplasty - Silicone elastomer implants - Implant
fractures