The new implant will restore the ability to walk to sick cats and dogs

NUST MISIS staff have developed a prototype implant for the treatment of joint injuries in various animals. Over time, it resolves in the patient's body, which eliminates the need for repeated surgery.

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The invention is made of a material with a shape memory effect. This allows the prosthesis to more accurately match the individual anatomy of the patient. As a result, rehabilitation time after surgery is reduced and the likelihood of complications is reduced.

The development is designed for arthrodesis, an operation to temporarily immobilize a joint.

"Composite materials with shape memory effect are one of the innovative medical products for orthopedics, as they are able to provide qualitatively more functional osteoreconstruction. Since arthrodesis is necessary to support the regenerated limb, the material, along with biocompatibility, must match the characteristics of the tubular bones of the limbs in its mechanical properties. We hope that such designs will help speed up recovery and reduce the risk of complications in animals after surgery," said Polina Kachalina, a graduate student at the university's iPhD Biomaterial Science program.

The implant was created using 3D printing from a bioresorbable polymer with a shape memory effect, which was reinforced with mineral fillers: hydroxyapatite and silicon dioxide. Thanks to these components, the developers managed to increase the strength of the structure and its compatibility with bone tissue.

Read more in the exclusive Izvestia article:

Put on a paw: a new implant will restore the ability to walk to sick cats and dogs