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Scientists in
Germany have developed the world's first biodegradable bone implant.
It contains
calcium phosphate - the main constituent of bones - and dissolves
from the inside.
At the same
time, new bone cells form on its outside layer. Doctors say it will
help avoid implanting metal plates.
Doctors hope
this will allow them to heal skull damage using the patient's own
bone material.
Surgeon Stephan
Weihe from Bochum University says patients will be more comfortable
with the new material.
"People
with titanium implants frequently complain because they are more
sensitive to temperature", he says.
He adds the
new material allows the body to heal its own wounds.
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