Masaomi Saeki

Pseudarthrosis is a condition in which bone union fails to progress after a fracture, resulting in nonunion. It is estimated to occur in approximately 5-10% of all fractures. With the aging population, fractures among the elderly, whose bones are more fragile, are increasing, and so is the incidence of pseudarthrosis. Therefore, there is a need for a minimally invasive, highly effective treatment method that also considers the medical and economic burden. In this project, we will develop a shock wave generator that can be placed in the pseudarthrosis site and advance the development of “internal irradiation shock wave therapy” that directly irradiates shock waves from inside the bone. By inducing localized bone fragmentation, i.e., intentional re-fracture, the stagnant bone union response will be reactivated, and bone formation in the pseudarthrosis site will be promoted. This will establish a novel treatment method that is minimally invasive and low cost.