Adding a 3D-printed sleeve that slowly leaks melatonin can stop spinal surgery screws from ripping out of weak bones.
In patients with osteoporosis, spinal screws often fail because the bone is too soft to hold them. By combining structural anchors with melatonin-releasing fibers, researchers managed to strengthen the bone-screw bond and prevent high-failure surgical complications.
3D-Printed Degradable Deep-Threaded Anchors with Melatonin-Releasing Nanofibers Significantly Enhance Pedicle Screw Fixation in Osteoporotic Bone
SSRN · 6557130
Pedicle screw loosening remains a major challenge for both surgeons and patients, particularly in osteoporotic bone. In this study, we developed melatonin-loaded, degradable nanofibrous deep-threaded anchors to enhance the fixation strength of pedicle screws. Polylactide (PLA) anchors with various thread designs were fabricated by 3D printing, while melatonin-embedded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofibers were produced by electrospinning. The degradable anchors and nanofibers were then