Employees of NUST MISIS have presented an innovative implant prototype that can restore the ability to walk to sick cats and dogs suffering from joint damage. Over time, it dissolves in the animal's body, which eliminates the need for repeated surgeries.
The implant is made of a special material with a shape memory effect. It precisely adapts to the anatomical features of each patient. This feature significantly reduces rehabilitation time and lowers the risk of complications after surgery. The development is intended for arthrodesis — a procedure that temporarily immobilizes the joint, providing support to the limb being restored.
Since arthrodesis is necessary to support the limb being restored, the material, along with biocompatibility, must have mechanical properties that correspond to the characteristics of the tubular bones of the limbs. We hope that such structures will help accelerate recovery and reduce the risk of complications in animals after surgery.
The implant was developed using 3D printing from a bioresorbable polymer reinforced with mineral fillers — hydroxyapatite and silicon dioxide. These components not only increase the strength of the structure but also improve its compatibility with bone tissue. This is what makes the development even more effective.
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