MISiS: Biocompatible plate for repair of skull defects

Main articles:

• Human skull
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

2021: Hybrid Plate Presentation for Repair of Skull Defects

Scientists NITU MISiS have developed an innovative hybrid plate to repair defects, skulls which is characterized by increased bioactivity compared to existing analogues. This ensures effective integration of the implant into bone tissue and minimizes the risk of rejection. Development can find application neurosurgery in traumatology. invention Patent RUSSIAN FEDERATION No. 2743108. This was announced by the institute on December 15, 2021.

To close the skull defect and protect the brain from external influences, special titanium plates are used, which, unfortunately, have a number of serious shortcomings. One of them is low bioactivity, as a result of which it is not possible to achieve consolidation of the plate and the patient's own bone tissue. In addition, plates made of metals have high thermal conductivity, which can cause some discomfort in patients. In cold weather, metal plates cool, causing supercooling of surrounding tissues. In hot, vice versa, contribute to strong heating.

Scientists at the NITU "MISiS" Center for Composite Materials have developed and patented an innovative hybrid plate for cranioplasty (plastic operations to change the shape of the skull), consisting of three of three functional layers that provide bioactivity, strength and the necessary thermal conductivity.

The first layer is a bioactive porous layer 2-5 mm thick on the basis of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, which provides germination of the plate with patient's tissues and strong consolidation with skull bones. The second is a reinforcing metal mesh 0.1-0.6 mm based on a titanium alloy, which ensures the strength of the plate. The third layer is a continuous smooth coating based on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene with a thickness of 100-250 μm, which makes it possible to bring the thermal conductivity of the plate closer to the thermal conductivity of the surrounding tissues.

Tests of the plate proved its biocompatibility: the porous layer of the implant effectively germinates with connective tissue, and a network of blood vessels is formed in it, which guarantees the engraftability of the implant and minimizes the risk of distant complications. In addition, the structural features of the plate allow it to be adapted to the shape and size of the defect. The developers note that the plate can be used in both veterinary and "human" medicine.

Skull defects can be both congenital and result from trauma.