Revolution in bone medicine: radiation-free method from Saarland!

Revolution in bone medicine: radiation-free method from Saarland!

A groundbreaking study by Professor Bergita Ganse at Saarland University brings new hope for monitoring fracture healing. Research shows that the healing of bone fractures depends critically on blood flow and oxygen supply to the tissue. With the help of commercially available measuring devices that use light and are therefore radiation-free, doctors can monitor the healing process of fractures more accurately and effectively. The results of this study were published in renowned journals, including “Biosensors and Bioelectronics” and “Journal of Functional Biomaterials”.

The newly developed method makes it possible to easily place a measuring device on the skin over the fracture site, even with plaster casts. This allows the healing process to be monitored quickly without the need for X-rays or CT scans. While X-rays and CT images only provide selective snapshots and also involve radiation, the new devices can provide continuous data for healing.

The healing in detail

In studies of 55 patients suffering from tibia fractures and 51 control subjects, researchers found that blood flow and oxygen saturation exhibit characteristic trajectories during bone regeneration. The blood flow increases at the beginning of healing, but decreases again after two to three weeks. Oxygen saturation shows a similar behavior. Discrepancies in readings could indicate a delay in the healing process, which could be caused by factors such as too much exercise, smoking or existing cancer.

The development of this promising technology is being funded by the Werner Siemens Foundation with eight million euros. We are also working on intelligent implants that are intended to support both the monitoring and promotion of bone healing. The collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and NASA aims to research the mechanisms of bone loss in space.

Global relevance and application

This innovative method could not only improve medical care in highly developed countries, but could also be crucial in poorer countries. In fact, many people in such regions face challenges that severely limit their access to medical care. The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development reports that poverty is one of the most common causes of illness and pushes around 100 million people below the poverty line every year, often due to medical costs.

In addition, the lack of resources, clean drinking water and sanitation in developing countries leads to a high risk of disease. Factors such as unemployment, lack of schooling and inadequate family planning exacerbate the already precarious health situation. These social challenges make the introduction and establishment of new medical technologies all the more important.

In this context, scientists have also noted that health-centric and climate-resilient development is of paramount importance. A population-based, preventive approach could be crucial to mitigating the negative health impacts of climate change in affected regions. The Lancet Countdown report on health and climate change in Latin America highlights this need and underlines the urgency of such action.