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Osteochondral Transplant System

Project Overview

The treatment of chondral defects in young active patients continue to evolve. Although stem cell therapies show promise, they are still in early development especially for the treatment of focal lesions. Moreover, the use of osteochondral grafts have the ability to transfer mature hyaline cartilage with respective extracellular matrix. Furthermore, the bone graft has the innate ability to heal into place. Several recent studies, however, have shown that success depends on maintaining chondrocyte cell viability, a goal that is paradoxically difficult due to our current surgical technologies. Our idea is the development of a system that will allow surgeons to transplant osteochondral grafts without potentially, or at least minimizing, damage during surgery. Our thoughts, after preliminary data collection of impaction force during implantation, is the development, of a system to screw in the plug rather than impact the graft. This will require a drill tap, a reamer to prepare the osteochondral graft, and a insertion tool that would be similar to a screwdriver to allow the surgeon the ability to both screw in and rotate out the bone graft.

Team Picture

Team members from left to right: Mark Austin, Zach Wodushek, David Fiflis, Alex Teague
Team members from left to right: Mark Austin, Zach Wodushek, David Fiflis, Alex Teague

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Contact Information

Team Members

  • Alexander Teague - Team Leader
  • Mark Austin - Communicator
  • David Fiflis - BSAC & BWIG
  • Zachary Wodushek - BPAG

Advisor and Client

  • Dr. Kris Saha - Advisor
  • Dr. Brian Walczak - Client

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