Innovative biphasic implant made from nanofibers and 3D-printed magnesium developed.
Longer durability and reduced patient burden.
Improvement in the therapy of deep cartilage defects.
Innovative Implant Made of Nanofibers and 3D-Printed Metal Improves Cartilage Damage Therapy.
Sports injuries or age-related wear and tear can lead to damage to joint cartilage. Previously, a complete knee prosthesis was often the only solution for significant damage. A new, innovative implant could change this.
In Germany, one in five adults suffers from osteoarthritis, a wear and tear of joint cartilage. If not treated early, this condition often leads to progressive secondary osteoarthritis, requiring an artificial joint prosthesis. These procedures are invasive and require long rehabilitation periods, making them a last resort, especially for young, active patients.
Currently, deep cartilage defects are often treated with autologous cartilage tissue. Cylindrical bone-cartilage plugs are taken from a less loaded area of the joint and implanted in the damaged area. This method has drawbacks, such as the limited availability of autologous material and differing cartilage thicknesses between the donor and implantation sites.
The "CarBoMD" (Cartilage Bone Medical Device) project at RWTH Aachen University is developing a biphasic implant to treat deep cartilage defects. This implant consists of porous, metallic cylinders made from a biocompatible and absorbable magnesium alloy. Magnesium is mechanically strong, has low density, and promotes bone regeneration.
The metal structures are precisely manufactured using laser-based 3D printing technology to create bone-like, porous shapes. Through the electrospinning process, nanofibers from polymer solutions are spun and applied as fleece onto the metal structures. These nanofiber fleeces, enhanced with hydrogels, mimic the cartilage structure in the body and promote the formation of new cartilage cells.
The implant offers a long-term treatment option for severe cartilage defects without additional surgeries or autologous tissue extraction. The mechanical properties are evaluated through tests. The goal of the novel biphasic CarBoMD implant is to reduce follow-up damage and surgeries, thus lessening the burden on patients and the healthcare system.
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