Humans and animals both break easily. Accidents are not exclusive to us, but their aftermath differs species by species. The saying “sticks and stones may break my bones” could very well be taken quite literally and translate to months of immobility and pain. However, that isn’t the case with creatures like an axolotl that could simply regrow a new limb. Let’s not be jealous yet; two separate projects, one in China and one in Korea, aim to make bone fractures in the future much less of a nuisance than they currently are.
Bone by bone
Inspiration can come from the strangest of places. For the first study, Chinese researchers got inspired by an old legend relating to the Luoyang Bridge. Due to the constant erosion of the bridge thanks to the strong waves of the sea, the craftsmen in Fujian took inspiration from nature to lessen the damage. In this case, they used oysters, which, thanks to the strong adhesive properties of the oyster’s secretions, helped sustain the bridge. Today, researchers have decided to recreate this and create what they call a “bone glue”.
So far, the bone glue named “Bone 02” has been tested in 150 cases, including a distal radius injury in a worker’s wrist. Traditionally, it would have required two surgeries, one to implant a metal graft with screws and another to remove it — both highly invasive and with the possibility of infections. With the bone glue, the procedure was done in three minutes. Three months later, the patient showed full recovery. Researchers also pointed out how this glue can be particularly useful in cases where the bone has fractured into many small fragments, something traditional medicine still struggles with.
Sometimes the bone fracture becomes so deep that a metal graft to keep the bone connected is unavoidable. Until today, pre-fabricated implants have been the most prevalent options. Every patient’s bones are not the same, which can lead to complications. This is where the second study from Korean researchers comes into play with their in-situ 3D printing technology for bone scaffolding. These implants are built of polycaprolactone and hydroxyapatite, making them biodegradable too. Integrated antibiotics were also tested to ensure no infections in the long term.
Healing bones
Be it from ancient legends or harnessing modern technology like 3D printing, these researchers carry a new way of looking at bones. Not just patching them up but working in harmony with natural processes. We may not be able to regrow limbs like axolotls, and it certainly won’t be instant. However, with the new research to speed up the healing process of bone fractures, the future of not needing to carry on for months with the risk of infections looks promising.
Photo credits: The feature image is symbolic and has been taken by Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández. The images in the body of the article are owned by Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and In Yeop Jeon et al, respectively, and have been made available for press usage
Sources: Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital / In Yeop Jeon et al.(CellPress)
