Broken bones are fairly common and can occur due to various reasons like accidents, falls, sports injuries, etc. While many broken bones might heal on their own, some require surgical intervention.

The traditional method involved inserting metal screws or pins to stabilize the bones. However, a new alternative to this method is using silk screws. Silk screws are a promising new technology that can revolutionize bone repair procedures.

In this article, we will explore what silk screws are, how they work, and what makes them a better option than traditional metal screws.

What are silk screws?

Silk screws are a type of surgical implant used for repairing broken bones. The screws are made from a silk-based material that is biodegradable and biocompatible.

Silk has been used medically for centuries due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability, making it an ideal material for medical implants. The silk screws are manufactured using a process that enhances the silk’s mechanical properties and eliminates any contaminants that could cause an adverse reaction in the human body.

After the screws have served their purpose, they will dissolve and be absorbed by the body.

How do silk screws work?

When a bone breaks, it needs to be immobilized to heal properly. Traditional metal screws are used to stabilize the bone, but they do not allow the bone to grow and regenerate. Silk screws, on the other hand, work differently.

They provide both mechanical support and a three-dimensional structure that allows the bone to grow and regenerate. Silk screws also have a porous structure that allows cells in the bone to invade the screw, leading to faster healing times.

The silk used in the screws is also able to mimic the structure of the surrounding bone tissue, further aiding the healing process.

Advantages of silk screws

Silk screws have several advantages over traditional metal screws. Here are some of them:.

Biodegradable: Silk screws dissolve and are absorbed by the body after serving their purpose, eliminating the need for surgical removal like metal screws.
Better healing: Silk screws allow for faster bone healing and regeneration due to their three-dimensional structure and porous nature.
Reduced risk of infection: Silk is a natural material that is less likely to cause an adverse reaction in the body, reducing the risk of infection.
Mimics bone tissue: The silk used in the screws has a similar structure to the surrounding bone tissue, aiding in the healing process.
Does not interfere with post-surgical imaging: Unlike metal screws, which can interfere with imaging techniques like MRI, silk screws do not cause any such problems.

Application of silk screws

Silk screws can be used to repair a wide range of broken bones, including those in the hand, wrist, ankle, and foot. They are also useful in repairing jawbones and facial bones.

Additionally, silk screws can be used in spinal surgeries to fuse vertebral bodies together. In all of these applications, silk screws provide a better solution than traditional metal screws by allowing for faster healing and avoiding the need for surgical removal.

Clinical trials and future prospects

Silk screws are a fairly new concept, and clinical trials have only been conducted on animals so far. The results have been promising, with significantly faster healing times and improved bone growth compared to traditional metal screws.

However, more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of silk screws in humans. If the clinical trials prove successful, silk screws could revolutionize the way we approach bone repair procedures.

Conclusion

Silk screws are a promising new technology that has the potential to revolutionize bone repair procedures. They provide faster healing times, better bone growth, and are biodegradable, making them an ideal solution for broken bones.

If clinical trials prove successful, silk screws could replace traditional metal screws as the go-to treatment for bone repairs.