World's First Biodegradable Joint Implant

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis destroy the normally smooth cartilage that lines the ends of bones. As cartilage regenerates poorly, the injuries are difficult to treat. Joint injury reduces mobility and causes pain. Conventional surgical options involve permanent implants or the artificial induction of joint ossification between two bones.

Tampere University of Technology (TUT) is the first in the world to develop biodegradable joint implant, RegJoint, which is used in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The joint implant, developed in mid-1990s and which has recently received CE Mark approval, is the result of the collaboration of the TUT Department of Biomedical Engineering, Conmed Linvatec Biomaterials, Scaffdex Ltd., and a group of orthopedic surgeons, among others, from Tampere University Hospital. Scaffdex will bring RegJoint to the market.

RegJoint offers an alternative for conventional surgery and has several advantages over permanent implants. The patient’s own bone tissue remains intact during the operation. In addition, the implant makes the reconstruction of the joint more sustainable and cushions the area, relieving pain caused by friction between the bones. The implant is used to repair injuries in the small joints of the fingers and toes. It is made of biodegradable polylactide copolymer and placed inside the joint capsule that surrounds the joint. The implant stimulates the body to produce connective tissue cells and is gradually replaced by the patient’s own soft tissue. RegJoint forms a neojoint between the bone ends and restores normal mobility.