Partnership leads to orthopaedic innovation

Dyneema Purity fibres from DSM, will replace stainless steel in a device for trauma treatment, designed for improving patient comfort, reducing potential allergic reactions and increasing flexibility during surgical implantation.

DSM, a key player in biomedical materials science and regenerative medicine, has announced a partnership with Sayan Orthopaedics. Sayan will use DSM’s Dyneema Purity fibre in a trauma treatment device, which will use ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) braid made out of DSM’s Dyneema Purity fibres. With a fibre said to be15 times stronger than steel, the braid will be able to withstand high levels of force due to its strength and stiffness. Furthermore, the braid’s small diameter, high pliability and increased flexibility in combination with the device design, allows for easier adjustments during implantation. In addition, the braid conforms to the shape of the bone, increasing the contact surface and lowering contact pressure. Patients are expected to experience increased comfort due to the softness of Dyneema Purity fibres. The absence of sharp edges may be expected to minimise cutting into bone or soft tissue, which sometimes occurs with steel devices. Tissue inflammation and irritation are also said to be minimised due to the fibre's biocompatibility and chemically inert properties. Additionally, using Dyneema Purity should overcome complications associated with metal allergies. 

DSM’s Dyneema Purity fibre is made at DSM’s North Carolina facility which it says is the only plant of its kind dedicated solely to the production of medical-grade UHMWPE fibres. Dyneema Purity materials have a proven track record for use in both short- and long-term orthopaedic implants including treatments for damaged ACLs and high-strength orthopaedic sutures.

“This partnership will bring the first orthopaedic trauma device using a combination of several Dyneema Purity fibres to the European market,” said Carola Hansen, director of biomedical polyethylenes, DSM Biomedical. “Sayan Orthopaedics is one of the larger players in the trauma and orthopaedics market in Turkey, and a developing player in the international arena in service of many multinationals worldwide. Our work with them supports DSM’s ongoing efforts to align with innovative companies from around the world.”

"We are very excited to announce our partnership with DSM,” said Serdar Omur Goren, vice general manager, Sayan Orthopaedics. “We chose Dyneema Purity fibre due to its high tensile strength and long, successful track record for use in medical implants.”