Bio-resorbable implants for minimal access surgery

Objective

Objectives and content
Bioresorbable implants for bone stabilisation after
fracture offer substantial advantages. The social and
economic costs of secondary procedures to remove metal
implants are immense. It has been estimated that half of
the world population will suffer a fracture at some time
in their lives and although many are managed
conservatively, up to 75% require reduction and internal
fixation with pins, screws and plates.
At the same time there are major practical problems with
current resorbable implants, which may be structurally
inadequate for the biomechanical demands, are resorbed at
unpredictable speeds and may become infected prior to
resorption.
This project is designed to take novel improved
biomaterials and, with the help of injection moulding
techniques, to produce composite implants of complex
design for more effective bones stabilisation.
Research tasks include:
selection and characterisation of materials.
improving the interfacial properties of selected
bioceramic/bioresorbable polymer.
adaptation of injection moulding techniques for new
composite implants.
specifying product design.
biomechanical assessment of implant strength.
experimental testing of implants in vitro and in
appropriate animal models.
investigation of antibiotic incorporation for
prophylaxis against infection.
The consortium comprises orthopedic surgeons for design
and evaluation (ICSTM), a research and development
institute to assist with compounding and processing
(DTI), an industrial laboratory for testing biomaterials
(LEMI), major manufacturers of resorbable polymers
(PURAC) and pharmaceutical products including antibiotics
(LEO), an interdisciplinary research centre which has
produced a bioactive composite which is in clinical use
(QMW), a producer of bioresorbable and bioactive ceramics
(FIN-CERAMICA) and an SME with a proven track record in
the marketing of first and second generation
bioresorbable implants (PHUSIS).

Programme(s)

• FP4-BRITE/EURAM 3 - Specific research and technological development programme in the field of industrial and materials technologies, 1994-1998

Topic(s)

• 0201 - Materials engineering

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

Dansk Teknologisk Institut

Address

Gregersensvej
2630 Taastrup
Denmark

Participants (7)

FIN- CERAMICA FAENZA SRL

Italy

Address

Via Granarolo 102
48018 Faenza

Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine

United Kingdom

Address

Fulham Palace Road
W6 8RF London

LABORATOIRE D'EVALUATION DES MATÉRIELS IMPLANTABLES

France

Address

Technopole Montesquieu
33650 Martillac

Leo Pharmaceutical Products

Denmark

Address

55,Industriparken
2750 Ballerup

Phusis Matériaux Biorésorbables S.A.

France

Address

58,Route Du Rivet
38330 St. Imier

Purac Biochem BV

Netherlands

Address

46,Arkelsedijk
4200 AA Gorinchem

QUEEN MARY AND WESTFIELD COLLEGE - UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

United Kingdom

Address

Mile End Road
E1 4NS London