A groundbreaking innovation has been developed by scientists in China: a ‘bone glue’ capable of repairing fractures in as little as three minutes.
Bone fractures are a prevalent injury worldwide, with a Lancet study reporting approximately 178 million fractures annually.
In the United States alone, the US Bone and Joint Initiative notes that around 10.3 percent of these injuries, translating to about 18.3 million, occur each year.
Traditionally, fractures can require up to 12 weeks to heal, with complete recovery potentially taking years, influenced by factors such as the fracture’s location, as well as the patient’s age and overall health.
Anyone who has experienced a fracture understands the frustration of the healing process…
Some fractures necessitate internal treatments using devices like plates, rods, and screws to stabilize the bones during recovery.
These devices may sometimes need surgical removal, adding further inconvenience for the patient.
However, a Chinese research team has developed a unique bone glue that could eliminate the need for such complex treatments.
Bone-02, the name of the glue, draws inspiration from the way oysters adhere to wet surfaces underwater.
This glue is applied through a 2 to 3 centimeter incision and can bond broken bone fragments in just three minutes.
Bone-02 is particularly useful for addressing smaller, intricate fractures where internal plates and screws might not be practical, reducing the risk of infection and rejection in cases where plates are necessary.
Moreover, it is safely absorbed by the body, eliminating the need for additional surgical procedures once healing is complete.
In a notable trial, Bone-02 was used to repair a severe wrist fracture in under three minutes.
After three months of recovery, the patient’s fracture healed completely without complications, restoring full wrist functionality.
Laboratory tests have demonstrated the glue’s safety and effectiveness, showcasing its ability to endure over 400 pounds of force.
This innovative medical glue has been under development since 2016, led by Professor Pan Xunwu, an orthopedic expert at Zhejiang University, alongside
Lin Xianfeng, an associate chief orthopedic surgeon at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital.
After nearly eight years of dedicated research, the team achieved a major milestone with Bone-02, which entered clinical trials in 2023 and is currently being tested on patients.
So far, around 150 patients have participated in trials involving Bone-02, significantly reducing the need for extensive surgeries and prolonged recovery periods.
If approved by China’s medical regulatory body, Bone-02 could become the first widely adopted bone glue globally.
Looking ahead, researchers may adapt this technology for other medical applications, including dental, cranial, or spinal repairs.