Stem cell implants can fix broken bones too

Stem cell implants can fix broken bones too

Researchers have pioneered a new technique — using stem cells — to encourage bones to grow again

    Here’s a new scientific breakthrough. Researchers have come up with a new technique in which they combine bone stem cells along with a degradable rigid material, to promote bone regrowth.
HOW DOES IT HAPPEN? The material developed by the researchers is a honeycomb scaffold structure that allows blood to flow through it. This enables stem cells from the patient’s bone marrow to attach to the material and grow new bone. The plastic slowly degrades as the implant is replaced by newly grown bone.
    The material is a blend of three types of plastics found most suitable. Hundreds of combinations of plastics were tested to identify a blend that was robust, lightweight and able to support bone stem cells, says a journal.
RESULT
    Successful
results have been shown in the lab and in animal testing. The focus is now shifting towards human clinical evaluation.
    Richard
Oreffo, professor of musculoskeletal science, said, “Fractures and bone loss due to trauma or disease are a significant clinical and socio-economic problem.”
    Mark Bradley, a chemistry professor who was also part of the research team, adds: “We were able to make and look at hundreds of candidate materials and rapidly whittle these down to one, which is strong enough to replace bone and is also a suitable surface upon which to grow new bone.”
WHO WILL BENEFIT?
    Bradley says the discovery could soon start improving the quality of life for patients with severe bone injuries. “It will also help maintain the health of an ageing population,” he adds.
    IANS

Don’t fret, there’s hope to faster recovery