HomeProjectsBiomedical Sciences and Healthcare TechnologiesNovel Hybrid System for Fracture Fixation (Innovative Degradable Magnesium-containing Implant for Long Bone Fracture Fixation)

Novel Hybrid System for Fracture Fixation (Innovative Degradable Magnesium-containing Implant for Long Bone Fracture Fixation)

Project Quick Facts

Principal Investigator

  • Prof. QIN Ling

    Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

  • Funding

    Research Grant Council

  • Patent

    Filed

  • Award

    Bronze Award in the BES-SEC Students’ Design Competition at The 16th International Conference on Biomedical Engineering, Singapore, 7 – 10 Dec, 2016

The hybrid system of Magnesium-containing implant is developed for fracture fixation. This innovative implant consists of a modified implant, such as intramedullary nail (IM nail) and compression plate with drill holes, and self-locking Magnesium (Mg) plugs. These Mg plugs are biodegradable and the released Mg ions can stimulate and facilitate fracture healing.

Problem to be solved:

Fractures take a long time to heal completely. Patients often have conditions, such as osteoporosis, that leads to decrease in healing potential. Our novel hybrid system provides an innovative solution to improve the healing process and shorten the healing duration.

Applications:

Fracture fixation, and other orthopaedic implants (e.g. interference screw and etc.) to enhance the healing of injuries

Target Users:

Patients with diaphyseal fracture, especially for those with conditions that lead to decrease in regeneration potential

Schematic diagram of the hybrid system after surgery. The Mg plug is close to the fracture site. The released Mg ions would be distributed to the surrounding tissue and promote fracture healing.
(a) CAD model of modified IM nail; (b) The prototype of the hybrid IM nailing system with insertion of Mg plug; (c) The fabricated Mg plug
First prototype of the hybrid system with a Mg plug inserted into one of the holes of compression plate.

Uniqueness and Competitive Advantages:

Incorporating Mg with the conventional implants can enhance the healing quality of fracture. The degradation of Mg plug promotes bone formation and facilitates fracture healing.

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