|
Injection-moulded,
functionally graded ceramics for biomedical applications |
| Contract
number |
|
BRE2-CT94-0966 |
Proposal
number |
|
BE-7598-93 |
| Start
date |
|
01-Jul-94 |
Duration |
|
4 years |
| RTD
programme |
|
Brite-EuRam |
| Coordinator |
|
Dr N Theilgaard |
|
Organisation |
|
Danish Technological
Institute |
|
Department |
|
Centre for Materials
Technology Medical Devices Technology Section |
| Country |
|
Denmark |
Postcode |
|
DK-2630 |
| Telephone |
|
45 43 507230 |
Fax |
|
45 43 507244 |
| Partner |
|
Biocomposites Ltd., GB |
| Partner |
|
Morgan Matroc Ltd, Rugby
Division, UK |
| Partner |
|
IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY & MEDICINE, GB |
| Partner |
|
FIN-CERAMICA FAENZA srl, I |
| Summary |
|
The main objective of this
study is to design and produce an innovative |
|
spinal spacer which will
achieve sound mechanical and biological fusion |
|
between adjacent
vertebrae. The spacers will be designed to be |
|
inserted in pairs, one on
either side of the space created by disc |
|
excision. They will be
located between the vertebral bodies and |
|
designed to interlock with
the vertebrae without catching on the dura. |
|
They would be introduced
posteriorally by retracting the nerve roots of |
|
the cauda equina,
carefully preserving the dura. This demands |
|
production of a complex
shape comprising a composite of bioactive |
|
and bioinert materials and
will be achieved by the adaptation of injection |
|
moulding technology of
technical ceramic materials to produce |
|
components with
functionally graded properties. The technology |
|
developed can be
thereafter applied to other areas, both in the |
|
biomedical field as well
as in the production of technical ceramics. |
Project
Achievements update April
1999
|
A new and novel prototype
composite spinal spacer has been produced. Extensive in vitro evaluations of the
materials of the composite spacer have been carried out. In vivo tests of the
materials have been carried out in rabbits. Finite element work was carried out on various
designs of spinal spacers. The operative techniques and instrumentation for inserting the
spinal spacer have been defined. Materials and manufacturing technologies to produce the
proposed device have been identified. In vivo assessment of the prototype has been
carried out in a sheep model with very promising results. A patent application has been
filed on the device design. |
  
|
