Health News

Structure of key breast cancer target enzyme unraveled
A researcher at Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute has moved a step closer to a cure, and possibly the prevention, of the most common type of breast cancer. ANI

Smoking claimed 673,000 Chinese lives in 2005
A multinational research team, led by scientists at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, has lent more force to the suggestion that smoking is a significant risk factor for mortality and disease. ANI

Genetic mutations can predict childhood leukaemia relapse
A collaborative study by American researchers has revealed that changes in a gene called IKAROS can help predict a high likelihood of relapse in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). ANI

Biological cements to repair burst fractures of the spine on the anvil

Researchers from the University of Leeds and Queens University Belfast are developing biological cements to repair burst fractures of the spine.

Washington, October 29 : Researchers from the University of Leeds and Queen's University Belfast are developing biological cements to repair 'burst fractures' of the spine.

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has funded 500,000 pounds for the collaborative project.

Although bone cements similar to those used in joint replacement surgery are already being used to strengthen damaged vertebrae of patients with diseases such as osteoporosis, 'burst fractures' to the spine are much more difficult to treat.

"This type of fracture causes the vertebra to burst apart and in severe cases fragments of bone can be pushed into the spinal cord. Surgeons may be able to join bone fragments together and stabilize the spine with the use of metal screws and rods, but patients with these injuries are often in a really bad way, so the less invasive the treatment, the better," says Dr Ruth Wilcox of Leeds' Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering.

The researchers at Queen's are experts in developing and testing synthetic biomaterials for the repair of bone defects.

"These materials can be delivered to the fracture site by injection and mimic the chemical composition of bone itself," says Dr Fraser Buchanan, from the University's School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

The team at Leeds has expertise in computational modelling of the spine, and will provide their collaborators from Queen's with data to assist in the development of novel biomaterials, and to simulate how they will perform in patients.

Statistically, burst fractures are seen more in younger people, and not enough is currently known about the long-term consequences of using existing cements for the treatment of this type of injury.

The researchers say that there is evidence that some patients with osteoporosis, who tend to be older, can develop fractures in the vertebrae adjacent to those treated with vertebroplasty.

"We think this may be because current cements are stiffer than the bone itself causing an imbalance in the way the spine bears weight. This may increase loading on the neighbouring vertebrae, which can lead to further damage," says Dr. Wilcox.

"Clearly we need to develop biomaterials that more closely match the properties of real bone. This project offers the perfect opportunity to use the range of complimentary skills of this grouping to predict the effects of newly developed cements and even incorporate biological agents to assist the body's own healing process," added Dr. Buchanan.

The researchers hope that the use of bone cements for burst fractures would be simpler, quicker, and much less invasive for patients. It will also reduce both recovery times and costs, they add.

ANI