Did you know that pythons initially hold onto their prey with their sharp, backward-curving teeth? Medical researchers have long been aware that these teeth are perfect for grasping soft tissue rather than cutting through it, but no one has yet been able to put this concept into surgical practice.

Researchers focused on the development and regeneration of the tendon-to-bone attachment, particularly for advancing tendon-to-bone repair, necessary for rotator cuff repair, and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The researchers have developed a python-tooth-inspired device as a supplement to current rotator cuff suture repair and found that it nearly doubled repair strength.

The biomimetic approach following the design of python teeth helps to reattach tendons to bone more securely. The device not only augments the strength of the repair but can also be customized to the patient. (Image Credit: Washington University St. Louis)

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Topics:
Biomimetics Industrial Design and Human Factors Medical Medical equipment and supplies Medical, health and wellness Product Development Surgical procedures

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    This article first appeared in the November, 2024 issue of Medical Design Briefs Magazine (Vol. 14 No. 11).

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