Novel adhesive polymeric membranes for binding degradable composite materials to bone in craniomaxillofacial repair

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Deformities of the face and skull (craniomaxillofacial, CMF) can result from high impact**trauma, congenital malformations or tumours, which can lead to both functional disabilities**and physical disfigurement. Much like a shattered vase, the fractured CMF skeleton requires**alignment and stabilization of multiple pieces for successful reconstruction. In reconstructive**surgery, generally using plates and screws, complications occur in up to half of all cases. The**investigators have been working on the development of a composite material (Bone Tape)**for skull surgical reconstruction. The concept is a strong duct tape like device that can**adhere to bone and be used to reattach fractured pieces and hold them stable until they heal.**The properties of the composite offer a unique combination of strength, versatility and ease of**use, with the flexibility of tape allowing wrapping and bonding to the complex bone contours**found in the skeleton. The composite is also made of materials that will eventually (and**safely) resorb over time after the fracture has healed, leaving only the mended bones behind.**In developing this concept with industry, the clinicians used some commercial dental bone**cements that are not degradable and may generate residual particulate which the surgeons**would prefer to be resorbed and eliminated. Hence, there is a need for the conception of a**degradable adhesive polymer with appropriate physical, surface and biocompatibility**properties that can interphase with composites. This project will ultimately provide the**foundation for such a degradable organic polymer adhesive. Our clinical and scientific team is**committed to translating the novel adhesive along with current composites into practice, in**order to improve treatment and outcomes, with less complications and better lives for those**recovering from serious CMF injuries and deformities.