Bone Bandage Can Be Used to Heal Fractures
A team of researchers from Duke University in Durham, NC recently published a research paper showing that a new bone bandage can be used to repair serious fractures. When someone is diagnosed with a broken bone, a straightforward injury will take about six weeks to heal. If the fracture requires surgery, the treatment process may take many months. When an individual is waiting for a bone fracture to heal, it can be hard to keep up with the daily routine. Now, there might be a way to speed up this process. If this research can translate to the clinical setting, it might allow someone to recover more quickly.
The Role of Adenosine
Starting about five years ago, medical scientists at Duke began studying the process of bone repair. After a series of experiments, the medical team found that a compound called calcium phosphate plays a critical role in the process of bone repair and regeneration. Through additional investigations, the laboratory professionals discovered that a specific molecule called adenosine can be used to increase the speed of bone fracture repair by working with calcium phosphate. Adenosine is already a critical molecule in the structure and function of the human body. This molecule is used as a source of energy, as a backbone of numerous proteins, and is found in the structure of DNA.
Using further experiments, the researchers discovered that the human body responds to bone fractures by flooding the area with additional adenosine molecules. This influx of adenosine plays a critical role in the healing process. At the same time, the fracture site absorbs the adenosine molecules quickly. When the stock runs out, the healing process grinds to a halt. Therefore, the research team believed that if there was a way to mobilize additional adenosine at the location of the injury, the healing process might speed up.
The Development of a Special Bone Bandage
In order to make sure adenosine molecules stay at the fracture site, the research team designed a new bone bandage. This bandage is designed to be applied directly to the fracture site. It is made out of special substances that act as a magnet for adenosine. When adenosine molecules reach the fracture area, they bind directly to the bandage. This traps them at the fracture site. Thanks to the bonding powers of the bandage, the body can gradually absorb adenosine molecules from the bandage and use them to repair broken bones, such as a femur fracture.
Testing the Power of the Bandage
To demonstrate the power of the new bone bandage, the medical team designed a research study. The laboratory collected animals that had suffered one or more broken legs. Then, the researchers divided the animals into two groups. In the first group, the animals received traditional bone fracture treatment with a standard cast. In the second group, the researchers treated the animals with the new bone bandage. After three weeks, the medical team compared the healing rates of the two animal groups. They found that the group treated with the new bone bandage had healed almost completely. In contrast, the group treated using traditional methods had not recovered.
Contacting a Personal Injury Lawyer
If someone has been diagnosed with a serious bone fracture, the recovery process may be prolonged; however, this new bone bandage shows promise. During the healing process, individuals may not be able to work or go to school. This can place a significant amount of medical, logistical, and financial stress on an individual or family. For help with this, it is important to rely on the experience of a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. A trained attorney can help families negotiate with insurance companies, review medical records, and pursue financial compensation if needed.
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer. This novel bone bandage has the potential to heal serious fractures. If someone in your family has sustained a serious bone fracture due to the negligence of another person or entity, please contact me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
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