Aug 18 : Researchers have developed a new method that may result in improved reconstruction or repair of bones.

Researchers from the American Dental Association Foundation (ADAF) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have devised the process for layering two kinds of biomaterials into one strong, yet porous unit.

Hockin Xu and colleagues describe a unique approach for providing the strength needed to help an implant better survive its early stages. First, a macro-porous CPC (calcium phosphate cements) paste is placed into the area needing reconstruction or repair.

Then, a strong, fibre-reinforced CPC paste is layered onto the first CPC to support the new implant. Once new bone has grown into the macro-porous layer and increased its strength, the absorbable fibres in the strong layer dissolve and create additional macro-porous channels.

The channels promote even more bone tissue in growth.

This method mimics the natural bone structure in which a strong layer, called cortical bone, covers and strengthens a weaker, macro-porous layer (spongy bone).

The two pastes used in the layered CPC method harden in the bone cavity to form an implant that for the first time has both the porosity needed for bone growth and the integrity required for reconstruction or repair of load-bearing bones (such as jaws).

The findings are published in the September 2007 issue of Biomaterials. (ANI)

Tags:biomedical-engineering