Cementing Osseointegration Implants Results in Loosening: Case Report and Review of Literature

Skeletal transcutaneous osseointegration was performed on a 54-year-old female transfemoral amputee. None of the available osseointegration implants achieved press-fit stability, so an implant was cemented in position. Although initially stable, by six months the patient reported painful loading and radiographs revealed cement mantle lucency. The osseointegration implant was removed, antibiotics were delivered via implanted spacer and intravenously, and revision osseointegration three months later achieved appropriate immediate press-fit stability. Cemented transcutaneous osseointegration implants loosen within one year. Osseointegration is only successful when bone grows directly onto the implant.