The Research, Design and Production of Cortical Bone Pins and Screws for the Fixation of Broken Bones in the Hand and Wrist

Investigators at the University of Missouri at Rolla have entered into a joint venture with surgeons at Saint Louis University Hospital to develop a superior method of fixing broken bones of the human hand and wrist. This method involves the production of pins and screws from human cortical bone which will be used to fix broken bones for healing. The cortical bone fasteners will provide many advantages to the currently used metal fasteners. To date, prototype fasteners have been developed and are pending mechanical testing as a result of this undergraduate research project. Results of this project potentially include a greatly improved technique for orthopedic medicine as well as patent benefits for the University of Missouri