Fine fiber implants for tendon repair

Each year, 32 million repetitive and traumatic tendon/ligament injuries are reported, and current synthetic replacement options are limited. Biomedical Structures LLC (BMS), Warwick, R.I., recently announced a new medical textile solution that shapes bio-absorbable and permanent fibers to resemble tendons by developing precise dimensions and load-bearing in a functional shape that mirrors natural geometry. New weaving equipment for synthetic polymers enables enhanced strength and flexibility of even the finest fibers. For tendon/ligament repair applications that require sutured tissue and subsequent re-growth of natural cells, the new tapered textile could enable a new class of implant solutions.