© 2020 EPFL - EPFL scientists have developed a gel that can locally reinforce bones weakened by osteoporosis. The startup they created, called Flowbone, has just made it through the second round of the Venture Kick competition. Femoral neck fractures occur frequently among the elderly, and are usually caused by osteoporosis - a disease that weakens the bone structure. "250 million people around the world have osteoporosis," says Professor Dominique Pioletti, the head of the Biomechanical Orthopedics Laboratory (LBO) at EPFL's School of Engineering. "It manifests as a reduction in bone mass and a deterioration of the bone microarchitecture, leading to increased fracture risk." Ulrike Kettenberger, a post-doc researcher at LBO, adds: "It's a big problem in our society. 40% of people who fracture their hip can never walk again without assistance and 33% become no longer self-sufficient. One out of five patients dies in the year following the fracture.
TO READ THIS ARTICLE, CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT
And extend your reading, free of charge and with no commitment.
Your Benefits
- Access to all content
- Receive newsmails for news and jobs
- Post ads
