With all the novel new research in the medical sector, 3D printing crops up in so many different ways. From skin repair to tissue growth assistance, additive manufacturing is aiding in medical developments everywhere. However, the newest leap appears to have come from a University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor who has invented his own medical implants that forego the entire process of retrieval after healing, instead allowing the implant to dissolve into the system. These dissolvable medical implants may alleviate the burdensome removal procedures and limit painful procedures for patients.
Professor Michael Sealy underwent his own painful experience with a fractured elbow when he was in fifth grade. While it recovered just fine, the screws caused him immense discomfort. Now, as a professor of mechanical engineering, he’s taken it upon himself to produce a far more efficient magnesium screw implant that dissipates into the body over time, eliminating that painful second procedure meant for implant removal.
“Let’s avoid this whole idea of a permanent implant where you may need a secondary repair revision surgery. Let’s have one that the surgeon puts in and then slowly over time, it dissolves away,” said Sealy.
Producing the Screws
Michael Sealy holds examples of implants (October 2, 2018) Photo by Craig Chandler / University Communication
Sealey built the new screws using an OPTOMEC LENS system, creating the implants from magnesium, which is an essential mineral that helps maintain the structural integrity of bones. However, magnesium also degrades quickly when exposed to oxygen, water and salts, which are abundant in the body.
“We use a laser and it creates very, very small dents, about the diameter of your hair. Putting these dents all into the surface of the implant you are making it harder, you are making it stronger, and you can use that to control how fast these orthopedic implants degrade inside your body,” said Sealy.
The most exciting prospect of these implants is how medical experts will be able to tweak their degradation times. This will allow them to tweak, not just the size and shape, but the dissolution rate for each individual patient. Many modern applications like this are providing the medical community with customisable solutions that suit the individual case, rather than serve a mass production size and purpose. Novel ideas such as these will make treatment safer and more efficient for years to come.
Featured image courtesy of KLNTV, retrieved via their website.
Anwar A. Mohammed, PhD says
nice article..thanks
Anwar Mohammed PhD…. Manufacturing (408 666 3913)