Suppose there was a method that would hold a fractured bone together within a few minutes and that without the need of screws, plates etc, how would it be? Sound`s Unbelievable right!!
For all these years, those persons who had broken bones would have felt severe pain and they would have stayed long in the hospitals for treatment etc. Moreover, healing would also have taken longer for them. Soon, these issues would not be there as the researchers have now found out a speedy fantastic solution in the form of bone glue.
What is bone glue or bone-02?
It is learnt that a research team in China led by Dr. Lin Xianfeng at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospitals have developed a Bone-02 an adhesive which was inspired by Oysters natural ability to attach to the wet surfaces.
It is known that Oyster`s stick well even in the rough water filled conditions and based on this the China based researchers have developed a glue that can hold or bond broken bones.
The specialty of this bone glue is that it is bio-absorbable, that is it is easily absorbed in the body as the healing progresses. As a result, there would be no need for a second surgery to remove the metal implants etc. About 150 patients with broken bones were tested with this glue and it was highly effective even under stress. It is worthy to note that this bone glue or Bone 02 worked in real surgeries rather than just lab tests.
Potential advantages of this bone gel are
It has been found out that this bone glue sets in just 2 to 3 minutes and due to this the operation times could become short. This bone glue would help the doctors to avoid metal plates, screws etc to fix the broken bones. Hence, issues like complications of rejection, corrosion of the implant and infection would not be there. Finally, no subsequent surgery would be needed to remove the bone glue as it is bio-absorbable. By this, the patient body as well as money would be saved.
Things which are not clear as of now:
Point is that early results have been superb and encouraging but there are some questions that haven`t been answered. Long term durability is very important and there is a doubt regarding the effectiveness of this bone glue over several years. Just1 50 patients have been tested with this glue but to confirm its safety much broader studies would be required. It is also not clear now regarding the cost, manufacturing of glue and surgeons training etc. Point is that putting new glue for bone fixation means modifying procedures, ensuring supply and training surgeons for correct use etc.
