Currently, when the polymer is applied thickly, the light hardens the surface but not the interior all the way through, so the group is currently testing the use of light in conjunction with other types of reactions. But Charles Court-Brown, professor of orthopaedic trauma at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, says the new polymer could simply be a latecomer among a number of exciting new treatments for fractures. It's impossible to say whether this new polymer substance is going to work, at least until human trials start. I have no doubt that we will eventually see the end of using lumps of metal to mend fractures. And the pressure is on for this kind of development because the NHS has to deal with so many fractures every year.
Sports injuries are on the increase as people become wealthier and have more free time.
Acute surgery is well down in the priorities of the health service. We only have 130 orthopaedic surgeons in Scotland, for instance, whereas Finland, a similar-sized country, has 400. Most orthopaedic surgeons spend their time doing hip replacements while fractures are largely treated by surgeons without training in orthopaedic injury. All rights reserved. All rights reserved.