Hydroxyapatite Has Potential as a Femur Fracture Implant
Recently, a research paper was published exploring the use of a material called hydroxyapatite, which might help with bone regeneration. This material may also be used for those who have suffered a femur fracture. If someone suffers a femur fracture, this can lead to a prolonged recovery. Some people might even need an implant to help restore their mobility and function. There are multiple types of implants. The ultimate goal of these implants is to regenerate or replace fractured bone.
Medical researchers have been looking for ways to expedite this process. Doctors have also been looking for ways to help patients make a more complete recovery. Scientists think they might have found an answer in hydroxyapatite tissue implants.
The Problems with Conventional Implants
These hydroxyapatite implants present an alternative to traditional implants. Sometimes, people might need these implants to help stabilize the broken femur while the recovery process unfolds. Implants are used to guide the body as it grows new bone. Implants help bone cells grow in the proper location. Unfortunately, these traditional implants can lead to problems.
For example, there is a serious risk of infection when these implants are put in place. If bacteria grow on the surface of the implant, this can require a repeat surgical procedure. Sometimes, these implants simply aren’t compatible with the fracture location. This can leave surgeons and patients frustrated, looking for alternatives. Lastly, the cost of using a traditional implant is high.
The Performance of Hydroxyapatite Implants
Researchers have started to explore alternatives to traditional implants such as hydroxyapatite. This is a unique material that is sturdy yet also flexible, providing a proper scaffold around which new bone cells can grow. In a research study, scientists created a hydroxyapatite resin. Then, they used this resin to form 3D structures out of the unique material. The researchers designed a variety of structures that might resemble implants used to repair serious fractures, such as those involving the femur.
The researchers found that hydroxyapatite implants would perform favorably. They found the implants were appropriately flexible, sturdy enough to support the surrounding bone structure, and were non-toxic to the various cells around which they would be placed. It is important to keep in mind that this hydroxyapatite material was used in a research lab setting. The material still needs to be moved to the clinical setting for further evaluation.
Next Steps in Development
Designing a new implant that can be used to repair femur fractures has been a focus of researchers for years. Implants involving the bones have a number of requirements. These implants need to serve as a suitable scaffold for new bone cells, they need to encourage the growth of new bone, and they need to be non-toxic for new osteogenic cells.
It remains to be seen whether or not the hydroxyapatite material will check all of these boxes; however, it performed well in the laboratory setting. The next step will be to test the material in the clinical setting. It might provide a great alternative for those who need an implant following a femur fracture.
Sacramento Femur Fracture Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Femur Fracture Lawyer in Sacramento. Hydroxyapatite implants have shown potential for those looking to recover from a femur fracture. If someone you know has had trouble recovering following a femur fracture due to the negligence of another person or entity, call me as soon as possible at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice.
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