A crucial aspect for degradable materials to function as support to the healing tissue is the combination of initial mechanical properties and a controlled degradation rate. In the early phase, the implant must provide the major part of the mechanical strength and allow ingrowth of host tissue.

A too rapid degradation of the biomaterial results in premature loading of the newly formed tissue, with increased risk of tissue rupture and failure of the construct. On the other hand, if the rate of degradation is too slow, the tissue will not be exposed to mechanical loading and thus will not mature. This typically results in unorganized tissue and possibly even atrophy, a phenomenon called stress shielding.

“Artelon® acts as a temporary scaffold for host cells and additionally as a mechanical support during the critical initial healing process.”

With time and as the biomaterial degrades, the newly formed host tissue regain both structure and function. The gradual transfer of mechanical load to the body enables formation of mature, differentiated tissue that is organized along the axis of the mechanical forces. In ligament and tendon repair, this is especially important.

Artelon® provides long-term support for healing tissue

• The Artelon^® fiber retains about 50% of the tensile strength after 4 years.
• Artelon^® is designed with a predictable degradation profile.
• Degradation is completed in approximately six years and about 50% of the initial mass will remain at the implantation site and is integrated into the host tissue.