The Advantages of PLDLLA Bioresorbable Implants to treat Sports Medicine injuries

Science Blog
Written By Dr. Marina Rubert

What if implants could provide strong fixation, integrate with bone, and resorb naturally without needing removal?

Orthopedic and Sports medicine surgeries often rely on metal implants to stabilize bones. However, these come with challenges like stress shielding, implant loosening, and a second surgery to remove them. Additionally, metal implants can interfere with imaging techniques, making post-operative assessments more challenging.

This is where poly-L/DL-lactide 70/30 (PLDLLA) bioresorbable implants can change the game.

At SFT, we use PLDLLA-based implants. PLDLLA is a biocompatible and bioresorbable material that offers a controlled implant degradation profile, breaking down in sync with bone healing while maintaining safety and mechanical integrity.

Seamless bone integration - Reduces the risk of loosening and fibrous capsule formation

Excellent osseointegration after 8 weeks of PLDLLA implant placement

Close bone-to-implant contact. Longitudinal (a) and transversal (b) histological view. Transversal view of radiograph (c). New bone tissue formed (NB, dark purple) insertion [1].

 

Radiolucent material

PLDLLA allows for clearer post-op imaging, improving diagnostic accuracy[2].

 

References

[1] D. Heidenreich et al., ‘The use of BoneWelding® technology in spinal surgery: an experimental study in sheep’, Eur Spine J, vol. 20, no. 11, pp. 1821–1836, Nov. 2011, doi: 10.1007/s00586-011-1799-1.

[2] T. M. Rocchio, ‘Resorbable Polymer Pin Inserted with Ultrasound Activated BoneWelding Technique Compared with a Screw for Osteotomy Fixation in the Reverse L Bunion Correction’, Clin Podiatr Med Surg, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 373–385, Oct. 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.cpm.2018.05.001.

Dr. Marina Rubert

Meet Dr. Marina, a trailblazer in the realm of biomedical sciences whose journey spans across Europe's prestigious institutions. A dual graduate in Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Balearic Islands in 2006, Marina's early career saw her delving into biomaterials at the University of Oslo, collaborating with Numat AS. Her quest for innovation led her to a PhD focused on breakthroughs in bone regeneration and biomaterials, culminating in 2013. Marina's expertise deepened through her postdoctoral fellowship at Aarhus University's ELECTROMED group, and in 2014, she furthered her research at ETH Zurich's Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics with a Marie Curie scholarship.

Specializing in cell and molecular biology, 3D tissue engineering, and biomaterials development, Marina has pioneered methods to enhance tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation from material implants. Since 2018, she has also taken on roles as Biosafety officer and Laboratory Manager, ascending to Senior Scientist in 2019 and leading the 'Personalized Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine' team.

With 30 peer-reviewed publications (and counting) under her belt, Marina's contributions to the field are monumental. As a seasoned lecturer and mentor, she has guided numerous students and postdocs towards their own scientific discoveries. A respected member of editorial and scientific committees, her expertise enriches the fields of biomaterials and bioengineering. Dr. Marina continues to push the boundaries of medical science, making significant strides towards the future of regenerative medicine.

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