Implantation Design Guidelines for Instrumenting the Cadaveric Lower Extremity to Transduce Femur Loads and Tibial Forces and Moments

Numerous studies have documented the implantation of a 6-axis load cell in series with the tibial shaft and a limited number of studies have instrumented the femur for uniaxial load transduction. We are unaware of a single study seeking to instrument both anatomical segments. In addition, while the instrumentation processes have been described in textural and graphical detail, the dimensions and material choices for preparation jigs, potting cups, etc. are typically not given. In the current study, we have reviewed the available literature and have developed a modified preparation and implantation methodology. We also include complete designs appropriate for a reproduction of our process or modification of the methodology by the reader. The robustness of our technique was verified in a companion study in which whole, unembalmed cadavers were subjected to a HYGE frontal sled test without compromise of the instrumentation.