Redefining Surgical Materials: Applications of Silk Fibroin in Osteofixation and Fracture Repair

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Silk and silk derivatives have emerged as a possible alternative in surgical device development, offering mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and environmental sustainability. Through a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, this study evaluated silk fibroin's application across pre-clinical and clinical settings, focusing on its role as screws and plates for osteofixation. A comprehensive search yielded 245 studies, with 33 subjected to full-text review and 15 ultimately included for qualitative analysis. The findings underscore silk fibroin's superior properties, including its tunable degradation rates and ability to be functionalized with therapeutic agents. In vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated its efficacy in enhancing bone healing, offering improved outcomes in osteofixation, particularly for craniofacial defects. Silk fibroin's remarkable attributes in biodegradation and drug release capabilities underscore its potential to enhance patient care. Ultimately, silk fibroin's integration into surgical practices promises a revolution in patient outcomes and environmental sustainability. Its versatility, coupled with the continuous progress in fabrication techniques, signals a promising horizon for its widespread acceptance in the medical field, potentially establishing a new benchmark in surgical treatment. Further research is expected to solidify the transitio

Evidence level

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

Browse all related research

Filter the research library by this study's title keywords, author, or publication year.