Researchers at Orlando-based University of Central Florida are developing orthopedic implants that are bioabsorbable, according to an April 10 feature from the university.
Biomedial engineer Mehdi Razavi, PhD, and orthopedic surgeon Zach Stinson, MD, are involved in the research, which is creating pins, screws, rods and other devices with bioabsorbable magnesium composites.
Since the implants dissolve in the body, there's no need to go back and remove them.
"Every time I have to fix a kid’s broken bone, the automatic question almost every time from the parent is, 'Is that going to stay in forever?' Psychologically, it's a big deal," Dr. Stinson said in the feature. "If you have an implantable metal that is naturally absorbed and does not have to be removed during a second surgery, that has tremendous benefits in terms of eliminating the stress of additional surgeries on patients and containing healthcare costs."
The research team is looking at how the magnesium composite could also be used beyond medical applications.