Orthopedic Implants for Limb Reconstruction

Problem: Amputation causes loss of function and an overall decline in quality of life. Prosthetic limbs provide a solution, but many have restrictions on full range of restored ability. Most prosthetic designs have limited direct interface with the musculoskeletal system. They must be connected through a system of pulleys, electroencephalography (EEG), or electromyography (EMG).

Proposed Solution: Orthopedic implants offer new limb replacement methods to address the limitations in common prosthetics. An implantable design will act to fully reconstruct or imitate a missing appendage from underlying bone structure to outer skin layer.

Goals/Objective: Our goal was a preliminary implant design. We created designs for two different animal models: a prosthetic to replace a rat forelimb and test an osseointegrated attachment method and a rabbit hindlimb with a silicone sleeve to test tendon attachment methods.

Methods: Computer-aided design (CAD) modeling in SolidWorks was used to design our prototypes. Designs were 3D printed using PLA filament.

Discussion/Conclusions: Our next steps are to print the final model in titanium and begin an experimental tendon reconnection method to further investigate restoration of missing muscle.