This device spares the need for surgical intervention by simulating natural limb growth.
Abstract
Biological regeneration of the extremities can occur in some organisms (starfish, for example), but humans need recourse to a mechanical solution. Growing children present a particular challenge, and those who lose bone tissue from the knee after removal of a tumour need an implant that can not only provide stability for the femur and allow motion of the knee joint, but which also accommodates rapid growth. Here we describe a self-extending leg implant (endoprosthesis) that can closely simulate natural growth and which has worked successfully in paediatric patients. The energy needed for elongation of this device is provided by the patients themselves as a result of flexure of the knee joint, thereby reducing the number of operations and the risk of infection associated with manually extended implants.
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Kotz, R., Windhager, R., Dominkus, M. et al. A self-extending paediatric leg implant. Nature 406, 143–144 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/35018155
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/35018155
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