Adding a 3D-printed sleeve that slowly leaks melatonin can stop spinal surgery screws from ripping out of weak bones.
April 14, 2026
Original Paper
3D-Printed Degradable Deep-Threaded Anchors with Melatonin-Releasing Nanofibers Significantly Enhance Pedicle Screw Fixation in Osteoporotic Bone
SSRN · 6557130
The Takeaway
In patients with osteoporosis, spinal screws often fail because the bone is too soft to hold them. By combining structural anchors with melatonin-releasing fibers, researchers managed to strengthen the bone-screw bond and prevent high-failure surgical complications.
From the abstract
Pedicle screw loosening remains a major challenge for both surgeons and patients, particularly in osteoporotic bone. In this study, we developed melatonin-loaded, degradable nanofibrous deep-threaded anchors to enhance the fixation strength of pedicle screws. Polylactide (PLA) anchors with various thread designs were fabricated by 3D printing, while melatonin-embedded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofibers were produced by electrospinning. The degradable anchors and nanofibers were then