World's First Biodegradable Joint Implant Grows New Joints

cylonlover writes "Joint implants should always be made of materials like titanium, so they can last the lifetime of the patient ... right? Well, not according to researchers at Finland's Tampere University of Technology. They've developed a product known as RegJoint, which is reportedly the world's first biodegradable joint implant. Unlike permanent implants, it allows the patient's bone ends to remain intact, and it creates a new joint out of their own tissue."

Comments

The details

[arnoldo.j.nunez]

So I'll save anyone wanting to read the article for scientific details the trouble: they don't even mention the material used!

So I searched around and found this. http://www.scaffdex.com/sites/default/files/RegJoint_IfU_rev_0_1.pdf

I thought I knew polymers, but my biochemistry is a bit weak. 96L/4D poly-L/D-lactide copolymer fiber. Seems to be porous, is that the key to making a bodily joint?

Apparently it loses it strength as quickly as within 15 to 24 weeks and then completely loses its strength within a few years. Meanwhile, your body is allowed a framework to develop around after physical trauma.

Re:

[Jarik C-Bol]

Except this is for arthritis in finger joints, which the body does not tend to repair on its own. I suppose eventually, if it works in fingers, they will find a way to do knee joints with it as well. (i suspect that would involve months of low/no impact rehab/physical training to allow the joint to re-develop.)