Penza enterprise MedInzh Ltd developed a unique carbon-based material, which is recommended for use in endoprosthesis replacement of large human joints.
Andrey Kibitkin, Head of the Traumatology and Orthopaedics Department at N.N. Burdenko Clinical Hospital of the Penza Region, prepared the report on this scientific breakthrough in co-authorship with representatives of Penza State University Medical Institute and regional production enterprises of Biomed Cluster. The report was made at the 11th All-Russian Congress of Traumatologists and Orthopaedists. It was recognized as the best report at the congress.
The chief regional trauma and orthopaedic surgeon outlined the unique and improved quality characteristics of the new carbon-based material developed by MedInzh Ltd. The material has already passed practical evaluation tests.
Penza traumatologists performed several operations for joint replacement. Conducted tests for loads produced positive results. Clinical trials are currently in progress.
According to Andrey Kibitkin, it is the most advanced material. It optimally corresponds to the parameters of a healthy joint. The new material has no wear particles that will contribute to longer lifespan of the prosthesis.
“The nanomaterial has not been commercialised yet. However the project has already gained all-Russian recognition. A friction pair is known to be a very important component of the hip joint, due to which the components slip against each other,” the expert stated.
The carbon friction pair, already patented by MedInzh Ltd, is used for surgical interventions for the replacement of heart valves by cardiovascular surgeons of the Federal Centre for Cardiovascular Surgery, as well as for prosthesis of dynamic intervertebral disks by neurosurgeons of N.N. Burdenko Clinical Hospital of the Penza Region.
“Our project has great prospects. If it is implemented, we believe that the friction pair will be a breakthrough in such industry as orthopaedics,” Andrey Kibitkin emphasised.
MedInzh Ltd plans to initiate the mass production of the nanomaterial by 2020. It is expected that the technological novelty will be used not only for the replacement of hip joints, but also for operations on shoulder and elbow joints.
