Albuquerque-based University of New Mexico researchers are developing 3D-printed ligaments as an alternative to ligament reconstruction surgery for sports injuries, according to KRQE News.
Here are five things to know:
1. Utilizing the patient's CT scan or MRI, the 3D bioprinter uses an electrospinning technique to produce highly aligned fibers that replicate the patient's ligament tissue.
2. Researchers designed the method to create an exact replica of the patient's damaged joint and potentially lead to less-invasive surgery.
3. UNM Scientist Christina Salas, PhD, said traditional ligament reconstruction can lead to the ligament stretching over time and becoming relaxed in the joint, which can cause deficiency.
4. Dr. Salas recently received a two-year, $150,000 research grant for the project.
5. Researchers are currently focusing on how to securely attach the synthetic ligaments to bone.