A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 

Bio-degradable

A biodegradable material is one that is naturally broken down over a period of time and absorbed by the body.

Common ones include polyglycolic acid, poly-L lactic acid, poly-DL lactic acid, PGA/trimethylene carbonate copolymers, poly-p-dioxanone and poly-beta-hydroxybutyric acid.

Many bio-degradable materials are used these days in knee surgery. Examples include screws for fixing a cruciate ligament reconstruction, skin sutures and arrows for meniscal repair.

There is considerable interest in developing scafolds to support the growth of cellular sheets for joint cartilage and meniscus repair.