A research group from Osaka Metropolitan University has been exploring the use of plasma irradiation as a treatment method to accelerate bone healing, with the goal of reducing recovery times for patients with fractures. The team, led by members of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the Graduate School of Engineering, conducted experiments on laboratory rats with different types of fractures. Normal fractures that are easy to heal were compared with non-union fractures, which typically have prolonged or incomplete healing. The rats with non-union fractures were treated with non-thermal atmospheric-pressure plasma, which significantly improved their healing and recovery times compared to the untreated group.
The results of the study revealed that the strength of the healed areas in the irradiated non-union rats was 3.5 times greater than that of the nonirradiated group. Additionally, in vitro studies on pre-osteoblastic cells irradiated with plasma showed an increase in the activity of a protein that indicates osteoblast differentiation, suggesting that the maturation of bone-forming cells was progressing. The researchers believe that this innovative treatment method, which combines medical and engineering techniques, has the potential to improve bone fusion outcomes and reduce recovery times for patients suffering from complex fractures.
Professor Hiromitsu Toyoda emphasized the importance of collaboration between the medical and engineering fields in developing new medical technologies that were not previously possible. He stated that combining plasma irradiation with existing fracture treatments could lead to more reliable bone fusion and shorter recovery times for patients. The findings of the study are scheduled for publication in PLOS ONE on April 16, 2024, providing valuable insights into the potential of plasma irradiation as a novel approach to enhancing bone healing processes.
The use of plasma irradiation as a treatment for fractures holds promise in accelerating the healing process and reducing recovery times for patients with complex bone injuries. By applying this innovative technique to non-union fractures in laboratory rats, researchers were able to observe significant improvements in the healing and recovery outcomes compared to untreated fractures. The strength of the healed areas in the irradiated rats was substantially higher, indicating a positive impact on bone fusion and regeneration.
The in vitro studies on pre-osteoblastic cells further supported the effectiveness of plasma irradiation in promoting osteoblast differentiation and maturation, suggesting a potential mechanism for the accelerated bone healing observed in the animal experiments. This collaborative effort between medical and engineering experts showcases the power of interdisciplinary research in developing cutting-edge medical technologies that can revolutionize treatment options for patients with musculoskeletal injuries. By combining plasma irradiation with current fracture treatments, the researchers aim to enhance the reliability of bone fusion procedures and shorten recovery times for patients undergoing surgical interventions for bone fractures.
