The original idea behind the development of Artelon^® was to create a material that could be used to repair torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee.

Synthetic materials used previously for ACL reconstruction had a number of obvious deficiencies. The non-degradable materials used were often too rigid and the degradable materials degraded too quickly. Lars Peterson, Per Flodin and Bengt Edberg, three of the founders of Artimplant, began working on this problem back in the 1980s.

Lars Peterson, professor of orthopedics, defined the requirements for the material:

”It had to have suitable mechanical properties and it needed to be degradable and biocompatible.”

Per Flodin, professor of polymer technology, introduced his work on polyurethane ureas. This group of materials has previously exhibited good biocompatibility. By changing the chemical structure, the mechanical properties and the rate of degradation, they can be varied considerably. Predictable, long-term degradation is crucial if the body tissue that is formed between the Artelon® fibers is to take over.

The work also involved the development of production processes, including the spinning of the polymer into fibers. Bengt Edberg, professor of textile technology, developed products with different constructions in order to utilize the properties of the fibers. In doing so, the products were adapted to the intended application and the demands of orthopedic surgeons.

Artimplant’s original applications centered around the knee and the ACL, which is a very challenging indication.

Today, many applications have been developed and are in clinical use, improving the quality of life for many patients around the world.

We have solutions in different areas, such as the treatment of osteoarthritic joints and the repair of soft tissue injuries. In collaboration with centers of excellence, Artimplant is exploring the potential of Artelon® with medical pathfinders to develop the medical solutions of tomorrow.

At the end of 2008, we have more than 11 years of clinical evidence of biocompatibility and degradation kinetics for Artelon®, and more than 11 000 patients have benefited from Artelon^® devices.

Read more about the medical solutions made from Artelon^®