Anti-adhesion coating of implants for improved mobility after hand surgery

Purpose and goal

We have achieved the purpose and goal of the project by having developed a glue to cover metal implants, conducted a safety and functionality study in a rabbit model for evaluating the effect of the glue against soft tissue and tendons adhesions to the implant. The study gave good results where the glue clearly counteracted adhesions and contributed to increased mobility in the operated toes. We will now move on to be able to evaluate the product clinically.

Expected results and effects

We have developed a working glue for application to metal implants in hand surgery and evaluated this in a rabbit model with good results regarding safety and function. We have not seen any signs of irritation or other safety problems, and seven weeks after surgery in vivo, the adhesive had prevented soft tissue and tendon adhesions to the implant and contributed to improved mobility of the operated toes. The next step will be to seek funds to carry out long-term study and to proceed towards testing the adhesive clinically.

Planned approach and implementation

A glue was developed to be applied to metal implants used in hand surgery. A rabbit model was used to evaluate the function of the glue against soft tissue and tendon adhesions to metal implants in hand surgery. After seven weeks, the effect of the glue was analyzed by biomechanical measurement of the mobility of the operated toes and ocular inspection of glue and metal implants. The results were very successful and we are now planning ahead to be able to test the product clinically