NOVEL USES OF FIBERS AS TENDONS AND BONES.

Polyester fibers can be made into a satisfactory load-bearing unit which can be implanted to act as an artificial tendon. Initial basic studies have shown the amount of porosity in the fiber assembly which is essential to produce tissue ingrowth from both muscles and bone. Implant studies on dogs have shown the feasibility of this approach. Fiber-reinforced composites can be made to simulate the mechanical properties of bone and can be implanted as plates to repair fractures. Implant studies on dogs have shown the feasibility of this approach, also.