When children have cancer that invades their bones, they often face multiple surgeries and a lifetime of problems. The fact that the bones in a child are still growing means that tampering with those bones can result in serious problems with limb length and function.
Wright medical has developed a bone replacement device called REPIPHYSIS. The amazing thing about this is that these artificial bones grow as the patient grows.
It works in a simple fashion. A spring is encased in plastic. A special device is placed externally over the implanted device and it creates an electromagnetic field which causes melting of the plastic. As it softens, the spring expands and the leg gets longer.
Artificial Bones That Grow
The Wright Medical REPIPHYSIS Implants for Pedatric Patients
Trend Themes
1. Artificial Bone Growth - The development of artificial bones that grow with the patient's body, providing a solution for children facing bone surgeries and limb length discrepancy.
2. Personalized Pediatric Implants - The use of customizable implants for pediatric patients that adapt to the growth of their bones, improving long-term outcomes and reducing the need for multiple surgeries.
3. Electromagnetic Bone Lengthening - The application of electromagnetic fields to stimulate the growth of artificial bones, revolutionizing the treatment of bone-related conditions in children.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Device Manufacturing - Companies specializing in the manufacturing of medical devices have the opportunity to develop and produce artificial bones that grow and adapt to patients' bodies.
2. Pediatric Healthcare - Pediatric healthcare providers can incorporate innovative bone replacement devices that grow with the child's body, enhancing patient outcomes and reducing the need for complex surgeries.
3. Orthopedic Surgery - Orthopedic surgeons have the chance to explore and utilize bone lengthening techniques using electromagnetic fields, improving limb functionality and minimizing long-term complications.