Thiruvananthapuram: Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) has developed an innovative system for fixing broken bones. The breakthrough focuses on bone grafting products to address bone fractures caused by falls or accidents.

In conventional surgeries, a metallic plate or part of the bone is often implanted to support the healing process. Doctors may also use spherical artificial ‘bone grafts’. However, these grafts are typically removed once the patient recovers, but the process can sometimes lead to infections.

The newly developed system, instead of using artificial bone grafting, involves pellets made of the same minerals as the human bone. These pellets, named Bonix and Caspro, do not cause infection and are a safer alternative.

During surgery, these pellets are placed in the gap of the broken bone. Liquid drugs are passed through the pores of the pellets, dissolving in the area where bone parts were removed. This reduces the chances of infection and ensures bones heal faster. The best part is that even if metallic plates need to be removed later, the granules made from bone-like minerals do not require removal.

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Bonix and Caspro developed by Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology

Bonix and Caspro

Bonix is a bioceramic granule designed to deliver medicine directly to the bone. The medicine reaches the bone through the micro-granules within it, eliminating the need for long-term medication in the form of pills, injections, or antibiotics.

Caspro, on the other hand, is a gypsum-based mineral-containing bone cement that assists in regenerating the damaged bone. Medicine can be added to Caspro in either powder or liquid form, depending on the treatment requirements.

Doctors can choose which granules to use, based on the patient's condition. Both Bonix and Caspro have received approval from the Drug Controller.

The products were unveiled by Kris Gopalakrishnan, President of SCTIMST. The research behind this innovation started with an idea proposed by Dr. Vrisha Madhuri from Vellore and was led by Dr. Harikrishna Varma, Dr. Manoj Komath, Dr. Francis Fernandes, and Dr. Eeshwar.