Prosthesis Failure Analyses is a term used in medical engineering relating to the examination of the causes of failure in prosthetic devices. The spelling of this term can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): /ˈprɒsθisɪs/ /ˈfeɪljʊər/ /əˈnælɪsiːz/. The word "prosthesis" (pronounced /ˈprɒsθisɪs/) refers to an artificial body part, whereas "failure" (/ˈfeɪljʊər/) describes a breakdown in the prosthesis's functioning. "Analyses" (/əˈnælɪsiːz/) denotes the process of examining the failure, enabling experts to target and rectify the problem.
Prosthesis Failure Analyses refers to a comprehensive examination and assessment of the causes and mechanisms behind the malfunction or breakdown of a prosthesis. A prosthesis is an artificial device or system that is designed and used to replace a missing body part or assist in the function of a damaged or non-functioning body part. Examples of common prostheses include artificial limbs, implants (such as dental or orthopedic implants), artificial joints, artificial organs (such as heart valves), and hearing aids.
Prosthesis Failure Analyses involve a systematic investigation, usually performed by experts or specialists in the field, to diagnose and determine the reasons behind the failure of a prosthesis. This analysis aims to identify design flaws, material defects, significant wear and tear, inadequate surgical techniques, or any other contributing factors that may have led to the failure. Moreover, it involves evaluating the impact of the failure on the patient and their quality of life.
The analysis typically includes various stages, such as a detailed review of medical records, examination of the prosthesis itself (if available), laboratory testing, and possibly conducting computer simulations or modeling to better understand the failure mode or mechanism. The results of these analyses are commonly utilized to improve the design, development, and utilization of prostheses, ensure patient safety, and guide future medical decisions.
Prosthesis Failure Analyses play a crucial role in advancing the field of prosthetics, improving the durability and effectiveness of prostheses, and minimizing complications or adverse events associated with their use. They provide valuable insights and knowledge to scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals, and manufacturers, contributing to the continuous improvement and innovation in the field of prosthetics.