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August 31, 2012

Nano-patterning on hip replacements

The BBC reports that a team from Glasgow University has developed a technique to created a pitted nanopatterned surface using poly ether ether ketone (PEEK).  Tissue growth studies conducted by this group has shown that the nanopattern helps to elicit bone growth through the manipulation of stem cells. These researchers feel that it they can put this pattern onto the hip stems used in total hip replacement surgeries, loosening of the hip stem due to soft tissue growth around the stem could be mitigated. The Glasgow team feels that if successful, it could greatly increase the in vivo duration of the hip stem.