Scientists have recently invented a new 3-D printer which can be used in the medical field. The machine works with ink and can produce synthetic bones. Specialists say that, if further developed, it can be used to repair bone defects, especially with children patients.
Researchers at a Northwestern University were in charge of the project. Their medical 3-D printer can now accelerate the process of growing bones, which is quite painful on its own. Doctors explain that such a recovery is much more painful for children than for adults because they are constantly growing and developing. Adults also have much more options to choose from when it comes to rebuilding their bones, whereas young patients do not.
Doctors say that the surgery is a complicated procedure. The traditional way of treating bone defects and rebuilding them implies often taking bones from other parts of the patient’s body. There is also the solution of metallic implants. However, both are painful, even more, if used with children. As they are growing, their implants should be changed periodically, causing them more pain, and, perhaps, complications.
The synthetic bones provided by the 3-D printer are made of hydroxyapatite and biodegradable polymer. The hyperelastic bones have one major property, namely porosity. This is highly significant because it helps blood and cells enter the tissue and assure the regeneration process. Another property is the elasticity of the bones.
The combination of substances that makes up the synthetic bones allows the adding of further elements into the formula. Specialists thought about antibiotics, meant to decrease the risk of infections after surgery. Other stimulants for bone development could also be added, so there are many advantages of this modern technique.
The printed bones also allow being shaped function of the patients needs. It is an easy process for both doctors and patients if compared to that of the traditional reshaping of original bones. The material can be modeled according to the size of the affected area of the patient, spearing him or her of unnecessary pain.
The new study on the 3-D printed which can cure bone defects with children was published in Science Translational Medicine. Specialist Ramille N. Shah was the leader of the research team. The authors hope that their product will be available in any hospital one day and that it will be successfully used to the benefit of patients.
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