Final modification of a cable-clamp implant for fixation of a disrupted pubic symphysis to enable clinical evaluation

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Martin C. Jordan
• Subject Area: Orthopaedics, Traumatology, Reconstructive Surgery ; Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy, Radiobiology ; Primary Shaping and Reshaping Technology, Additive Manufacturing
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 534737512

In an interdisciplinary approach to medical innovation, the department of Anatomy and Orthopaedic Surgery seeks the collaboration with experts for additive manufacturing and medical engineering to finalize prototype development of a new cable-clamp fixation device. This device provides an alternative option for the treatment of traumatic pubic symphysis disruption and avoids the implant loosening and failure often associated with traditional symphyseal plating. A proof-of-concept confirmed feasibility of the new cable-clamp fixation of the pubic symphysis and determined the implant complications to be less likely. However, the pre-clinically evaluated prototype requires further assessment before it can be applied clinically. Foremost, it requires implant modification to improve usability, as well as repeated biomechanical evaluation to confirm feasibility. Varied implant sizes and anatomical variations must be explored and appropriate device modifications produced. Lastly, specialized surgical tools must be developed to enable streamlined implantation of the new devices. This project aims to bring the prototype implant to the next level through the partnership of an interdisciplinary team of experts, with the ultimate goal of clinical evaluation. Results and findings from this project will be transferred back to the clinical setting to enable further new developments and research projects.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants (Transfer Project)
• Application Partner: DELTACOR GmbH; Headmade Materials GmbH
• Co-Investigator: Professorin Dr. Stefanie Hölscher-Doht