In the framework of a multi-year project, researchers of the Laboratory of Biomechanics of the University of Debrecen have developed trial implants of a joint endoprosthesis using tissue-friendly titanium alloy, 3D printing technology, and a new type of fastening principle. The new solutions are expected to appear in clinical practice soon.
The consortium, which is led by VARINEX Zrt. and incorporates the University of Debrecen, the University of Nyíregyháza and Kereken-Pálya Kft., won a grant in 2017 for the implementation of the project entitled “Research into the osteosynthesis of implants and development of a trabecular structure using Additive Manufacturing”.
- The project is an object lesson of translational medicine. When practitioners realize that they cannot solve certain problems satisfyingly or at all with the available tools, they develop something new, which is then transferred into patient care as soon as possible - explained László Mátyus, Dean of a Faculty of Medicine of the University of Debrecen at the final meeting of the project on Friday.
In the framework of the 4-year project titanium-based bone and joint implants with a new material structure have been developed using animal experiments and various imaging technologies. The new, so-called trabecular structure ensures the embedding of bone tissue more completely than any other available method. According to plan, the new solution will be used in cases when due to significant bone loss the function of the joint cannot be recovered using traditional hip prostheses due to significant bone loss.
- Titanium is a tried and tested, tissue-friendly implant material. In the course of the project we were willing to find a microstructure into which bone tissue can integrate more completely. We designed a new type of fastening: Instead of using screws, or bone cement as glue, we prepare the implant so that the bone simply grows on it, so that they form a consistent structure together - explained Zoltán Csernátony, lead researcher of the project, lecturer and head of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of the Faculty of Medicine of UD.
The primary objective of the project was to manufacture bone and joint implants using more time- and cost-efficient methods, industrial 3D printing and Additive Manufacturing technology, which offers a higher level of biocompatibility with and bio-functionality, and a more efficient transfer of the most important functions of the biological system, as well as shorter recovery time and significantly longer usability.
Material development was prepared through collaboration of the two universities involved in the project. It was followed by animal experiments that provided feedback to the researchers. ensuring the high-quality implementation of the multicycle development process, and results that are remarkable even by international standards.
The Researchers of UD designed a CT image analysis system, developed a bone defect model for the animal experiments, developed the theoretical model of implants with trabecular structure, designed and, using 3D printing, manufactured the prototypes of bespoke, titanium-based implants, conducted experiments on sheep, assessed the results of the implantations.
As a result of the project that involved the application of image processing algorithms, animal experiments and AM technologies, the consortium members developed and introduced, first in Hungary, a system in the field of bone and joint implants, which allows the manufacturing of prototypes of bespoke, trabecular-structure titanium implants.
- The project was a huge success. The consortium members created knowledge that will allow us to implement various types of bone replacement. Now our goal is to make sure that the new, bespoke implants will be introduced in clinical practice as soon as possible - said György Falk, strategic director of Varinex Zrt.
The HUF 2-billion project will be completed at the end of January, and was supported by the EU and the Hungarian Government with more than HUF 1.6 billion (GINOP-2.2.1-15-2017-0005).
