Principal investigator: Siegler, Sorin, Ahmad Najafi
University: Drexel University
Industry partners: Pace Surgical Inc.
Soft tissue tears are common injuries, some of which must be surgically refixed require via suture anchors. Conventional anchors may fail, particularly in low density bone, due to pullout leaving behind large defects, complicating reattachment procedures.
We developed a swelling co-polymeric material that swells by absorbing body fluids. We tested its swelling and mechanical properties and conducted cell studies and animal studies. We found 1) good biocompatibility, 2) potential for osteointegration with bone densification surrounding the implant, 3) good fixation strength and 4) minimal bone damage following anchor pullout. We propose to use this swelling material to develop a new class of suture anchors that swell by absorbing interstitial fluids and achieve fixation through friction. Analogous to superior fixation of expanding wall anchors compared to metal screws in dry wall, our swelling anchors will provide superior fixation to conventional anchors, particularly in low density bone. Additionally, unlike conventional anchors, the swelling will stimulate osteointegration.