Bone health in transfemoral amputees

This study investigates the mechanical effect of load-bearing through a prosthetic socket on the residuum of a transfemoral amputee using a combined musculoskeletal and finite element modelling approach. We use finite element results to estimate the risk of bone resorption in the amputated femur when subjected to a physiological loading scenario of muscle and joint reaction forces experienced during daily activities. Findings suggest that the mechanical loading environment experienced by amputees while wearing a prosthesis could contribute to a decrease in bone mineral density and increased fracture risk.