Here are five things to know:
1. Utilizing the patient’s CT scan or MRI, the 3D bioprinter uses an electrospinning technique to produce highly aligned fibers that replicate the patient’s ligament tissue.
2. Researchers designed the method to create an exact replica of the patient’s damaged joint and potentially lead to less-invasive surgery.
3. UNM Scientist Christina Salas, PhD, said traditional ligament reconstruction can lead to the ligament stretching over time and becoming relaxed in the joint, which can cause deficiency.
4. Dr. Salas recently received a two-year, $150,000 research grant for the project.
5. Researchers are currently focusing on how to securely attach the synthetic ligaments to bone.
More articles on surface technology:
Safety is comparable for 3D-printed & plasma spray-coated implants, study finds: 3 insights
FDA awards $2.6M for 3D bioprinting research
Centinel Spine hits implantation milestone in Australia: 4 insights
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.