China's New Innovation: Broken Bones Repaired in Minutes

The newly developed “bone glue” not only joins broken bones but also holds the fractured pieces in place. Once the bone heals, the glue is naturally absorbed by the body, eliminating the need for a second surgery to remove implants.
 

This adhesive, named Bone-02, was developed by a team of researchers in eastern China’s Zhejiang Province. The team is led by Lin Xianfeng, Associate Chief Orthopedic Surgeon at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital. According to Lin, the inspiration for the glue came from observing how mussels cling tightly to bridge pillars underwater.
 

Lin Xianfeng stated that the glue can effectively bond bones even in blood-covered environments, and becomes functional within just two to three minutes. According to CCTV, the adhesive has already been successfully used in over 150 patients. Tests have shown that the glued bones exhibited a maximum bonding strength of over 400 pounds, a shear strength of around 0.5 MPa, and a compressive strength of approximately 10 MPa.
 

Experts say these results indicate that, in the future, this glue could potentially replace traditional metal plates and screws used in bone repair. It would also significantly reduce the risks of complications and infections.
 

Attempts to create bone adhesives date back to the 1940s, when materials like gelatin, epoxy resins, and acrylates were used. However, they were not biocompatible and therefore unsuitable for clinical use. But according to Chinese scientists, their new discovery overcomes those limitations and is set to open a new chapter in orthopedic treatment.