Correcting Spinal Deformities - DSM Dyneema And University Hospital Maastricht Collaborate To Explore New Solutions

Main Category: Bones / Orthopaedics
Article Date: 19 Jun 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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DSM Dyneema and the university hospital Maastricht (azM), The Netherlands, announced a joint agreement to conduct research into new solutions that can improve surgical outcomes for patients with spinal deformities. Combining the materials technology of DSM Dyneema with the clinical expertise of the university, this project aims to develop new solutions that support the trend toward minimally invasive procedures as well as the need for preservation of mobility. The project team will focus on leveraging Dyneema Purity®, an Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene fiber offering maximum strength and minimum weight, to enhance post-operative mobility and quality of life for surgery patients as a result. Furthermore, the high strength-to-weight ratio of Dyneema Purity® enables device miniaturization to support minimally invasive surgical techniques that promote faster recuperation and reduced scarring.

Dr. Lodewijk W. van Rhijn, orthopedic surgeon at the university hospital Maastricht, said, "The dynamic nature of cable constructions made with Dyneema Purity® enable preservation of mobility as well as fixation. This combination of properties opens-up numerous possibilities for improvements of surgical techniques and devices. The results of the project are expected to allow me to improve the patient's quality of life".

The research agreement has initially been set for one year. Both organizations have expressed willingness to continue the project over a longer term once the results in the first year support such continuation. Development of an actual prototype device will take several years.

Carina Snijder, business manager medical at DSM Dyneema, said, "Dyneema Purity® fiber offers tremendous potential to design the next generation of medical devices for less-invasive surgery. Its unique combination of strength, flexibility, light weight, and softness makes this fiber ideal for new approaches to the correction of spinal conditions. We look forward to a fruitful partnership to support improved outcomes for spinal surgery patients."

Dyneema Purity® fiber is 15 times stronger than steel on a weight-for-weight basis. It provides a high level of stiffness and resistance to fatigue and abrasion. This material has successfully been independently tested for cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation and mutagenicity.

University hospital Maastricht (azM)

The main tasks of the university hospital Maastricht in the Netherlands are patient care, education and research, all of which are closely interrelated. In addition to standard patient care, top referral and advanced clinical care play an important role at the university hospital Maastricht.

Advanced clinical and top referral care require fine-tuning and close cooperation with the fundamental research and clinical research at university hospital Maastricht. Key research areas are cardiovascular diseases, oncology, chronic diseases and mental health care and neurosciences.

The university hospital Maastricht is located in the centre of the Euregion Meuse-Rhine. Intensifying collaboration in the Euregion is one of the main goals of the university hospital Maastricht.

The university hospital Maastricht (http://www.azm.nl and http://www.summum.mumc.nl) has 715 hospital beds, over 4.700 employees and 4.000 students. It is part of the 'Dutch Federation of University Medical Centers', the NFU ( www.nfu.nl ). The NFU is a cooperative venture involving the eight university medical centers (UMCs) in the Netherlands, with the primary aim of promoting the UMCs common interests.

About DSM Dyneema

DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world's strongest fiber™ and DyneemaPurity®. Dyneema® and Dyneema Purity® are ultra strong polyethylene fibers that offer maximum strength combined with minimum weight. They are up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® and Dyneema Purity® float on water and are extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods as well as in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel. In addition, Dyneema Purity® is used in medical implant applications.

Dyneema® is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands) and in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at http://www.dyneema.com and http://www.dyneemapurity.com.

DSM - the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company

DSM creates innovative products and services in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences that contribute to the quality of life. DSM's products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and more enjoyable way of life. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM has annual sales of almost EUR 8.8 billion and employs some 23,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information on DSM can be found at http://www.dsm.com. To meet the upcoming needs of the medical and biotech industries, DSM increased its commitment to the medical device industry by the foundation of DSM Biomedical. DSM Biomedical builds on the expertise and strengths of DSM in polymers, coating technology, materials science and life sciences. Its guiding mission is to provide materials-based products and technologies that will enable the replacement, repair, enhancement and ultimately the regeneration of tissue and organ function. DSM's current biomedical portfolio includes ComfortCoat™ hydrophilic and antimicrobial coating technology, implant solutions (including Dyneema Purity®) and drug delivery systems. More information on DSM Biomedical can be found at http://www.dsmbiomedical.com

Dyneema®, Dyneema Purity® and Dyneema®, the world's strongest fiber™ are trademark(s) (applications) owned by Royal DSM N.V.

http://www.dsmbiomedical.com