Rabbits Able To Grow Joint Replacements

Rabbits that had artificial bones implanted were able to grow their own joints, complete with cartilage, according to a report on Thursday.

The team, based in Columbia University in New York, the University of Missouri and Clemson University in South Carolina reported the rabbits required only a single compound, known as a “growth factor” to rebuild their joint tissue.

The researchers claimed this type of joint would operate more naturally and last longer than a metal joint.

In a published report in the Lancet medical journal, the researchers noted how they set out to use biomaterial made out of polycaprolactone and hydroxyapatite to make an artificial joint.

“It is U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved to use the materials for bone regeneration.” said Jeremy Mao, who led the study.

The researchers created a replica of a rabbit’s leg joint and infused the porous bone scaffold with a growth factor which is a compound that stimulates cell growth.

A total of 10 rabbits were fitted with the enhanced new joint and were hopping about after approximately three to four weeks.

In contrast, of the 10 rabbits used in the study, only a few fitted with an unenriched scaffold could move normally and three rabbits with a surgically damaged joint limped permanently.

“It was a surprise finding,” said Mao. “They expected it would take more work to get the body to coat the artificial bone with fresh cartilage.

“At this the whole joint really has undergone substantial breakdown,” Mao said, speaking about the technique that could benefit advanced arthritis patients.

Around 27 million people in the USA suffer from osteoarthritis according to Arthritis Foundation.

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Posted by Ruth on Jul 29 2010. Filed under Featured News, Health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry