Video: New resorbable bioceramic materials for the mandible, the vertebrae and the knees

When breaking your bone, there are different ways to get it fixed. Casts, screws, and plates are common examples. However, these techniques cannot be applied in every case and may have some inconvenient for the patient.

Bioceramic materials might be the answer. They can mimic the structure of bones and can be designed to closely match the mechanical requirements of the implant sites.

For the moment, bioceramics have most commonly been used to date in dentistry, and in some orthopaedic applications, but recent research might change that!

RESTORATION, a European research project, is developing new resorbable bioceramic materials that can be used in three different cases: the mandible, the vertebrae and the knees.

For the mandible, RESTORATION developed a polymer plate that takes the desired form and sticks to the broken bone.

For vertebrae, the project developed a paste that is being injected into the broken vertebra. It fixes the vertebra and favours the bone regeneration.

For the knee, in the case of osteoarthritis, a special bioceramic cylinder is being inserted into the bone after removing the damaged part of the knee.

Although a specific bioceramic has been developed for each use case, they are all resorbable materials enhanced through the use of special proteins and new bioactive medical products. To increase the resistance of the material, nanoparticles are embedded into the ceramic.

During the technological development, the project assessed the environmental and economic benefits with a life cycle approach. In addition, it compared its impact with current materials and devices.

The results of this assessment help to create a more environmental-friendly and competitive European medical industry.Thanks to the excellent project results, these products might be available on the market within a few years.RESTORATION has made a significant contribution to improving the quality of life for sufferers in the EU and the world.

For more information, visit restoration-project.eu