The excessive forces the elbow joint sustains during overhead throwing can cause various degrees of injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Current treatments focus on completely replacing the tendon or restoring the structural properties of a partially torn ligament, whereas this design aims to repair partial UCL tears by promoting tissue regeneration. A cross-linked collagen sponge is encapsulated in an acellular dermal matrix to release 300ng of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) over a 2-week period. The framed design was validated through leak testing and lap shear testing. Results showed that sealing the design with a biocompatible adhesive is a sufficient method of preventing leakage and promoting the desired release profile. Additional testing to ensure proper healing properties within human ligament cells is necessary. We believe that using this framework will expand treatment options for athletes with grade I and II UCL tears.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Sherwin, Julia
• Bach, Carter
• Coco, Jonathan
• Bartynski, Abigail

Subject

• Innovation
• Sustainability
• Health
• Well-Being

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 106391
• E-project-042723-144842

Keyword

• Ulnar Collateral Ligament
• Ligament
• Natural Healing
• Regeneration
• Overhand Throwing
• Baseball

Advisor

• Pins, George D

Year

• 2023

Sponsor

• Dr. David Magit, M.D.
• Professor George Pins, Ph.D.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 3 - Good Health and Well-being
• 5 - Gender Equality
• 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Date created

• 2023-04-27

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biomedical Engineering

Source

• E-project-042723-144842

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2023-06-23