Thesis
An exploration of a novel swelling co-polymeric material and its mechanical, swelling, and refixation capabilities
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jun 2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001296
Abstract
For orthopedic surgical procedures requiring fixation to bone, the conventionally used metallic bone anchors, like suture anchors and screws, derive their fixation through the shear strength of the bone located between the threads. While they are viable for medical use, they have many disadvantages including damage to surrounding bone after catastrophic failure, stress shielding from a difference in material property, and a lack of osteointegration and remodeling that is mechanically induced. In this exploration, a means for producing porosity in a previously created swelling co-polymeric material was introduced. Porosity was created through the inclusion of a non-dissolvable agent (NaCl) that was added before polymerization and later removed using water. Cylindrical bone anchors were created using the swelling co-polymer and their swelling and compressive mechanical characteristics were examined. The bone anchors studied belonged to one of three configurations: fully solid, fully porous, and a solid core with a porous outer layer. An exploration was also conducted into the swelling anchors' refixation ability and the damage that occurs to the surrounding implantation medium after dislodgement. The results of this swelling and mechanical characterizations found that the anchors with a solid core and porous outer coating exhibited the most desirable performance, with mechanical properties close to that of cancellous bone, fast swelling response, and enough porous material to mechanically induce osteointegration. The refixation exploration found that the anchors are able to maintain their strength after dislocation and even continue swelling.
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Details
- Title
- An exploration of a novel swelling co-polymeric material and its mechanical, swelling, and refixation capabilities
- Creators
- Ryan Matthew Zegarski
- Contributors
- Sorin Siegler (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- vi, 16 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Engineering (1970-2026); Mechanical Engineering (and Mechanics) (1970-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991018526901504721