A brief study about the chemistry behind polymeric material that aid in biological research, surgery and more.

1. BEFORE WE START….

2. OSCAR
PISTORIU
S

3. A FEW ‘MUST KNOW’ FACTS ABOUT
PISTORIOUS
• Oscar Pistorious got both his legs amputated between
his knees and ankles at the age of 11 months.
• He had a metal-alloy artificial-blade prostheses when
he grew up.
• Oscar is a track athlete, most surprisingly, in the non-
disabled division.
• In 2011, he was given the title of ‘The Fastest Man
without legs’.

5. MONICA
SINGH

6. FACIAL RECONSTRUCTION (GRAFTING)
• Facial reconstruction, often called ‘plastic surgery’, is a process
where biocompatible natural and artificial products are taken in
sheets and threads and grafted over small patches and/or the
whole of the subject’s face. In the case of an acid attack
survivor, the objective is not enhancement but reinstatement of
old features.
• Monica Singh, after 43 successive reconstructive surgeries,
regained majority of her natural self. She has since then been
the guide and role-model for acid attack victims and has
founded the Mahendra Singh Foundation for the same.

7. A BRIEF INSIGHT INTO BOTH CASES
MENTIONED.
Metal Prostheses-
• Braided Polyester fibres were used
to replicate a functional and semi-
locomotive ligament whereas
micro-carbon-fibres (carbon-fibre
reinforced polyester) were used for
simulating the normal tendon and
the permanent scaffold.
• Silicone and Polyglycolide nano-
fibres were used to graft the
artificial nerves.
Reconstructive Surgery-
• Primarily, autografts were taken
from the patient’s body (from
thighs etc) to complete the
reconstruction.
• In the absence of autografts or lack
of biocompatible natural
alternatives, synthetic compounds,
such as integra, which consists of
silicone and bovine tendon collagen
with glycosaminoglycans were used.

8. Thus, we are moving closer to science-
fictional technology as shown in Star Wars
(artificial limbs) and that shown in any one
of Ekta Kapoor’s Daily Soaps (Plastic
Surgery). Though, we are closer to Star
Wars than the impeccable technology
depicted in the daily-soaps.

9. Anyway, Polymers formed the surgical
basis procuring prosperity for one and
survival for the other. Hence… we
come to our topic today.

10. POLYMER
S IN
SURGERY

11. FLOW OF THE
PRESENTATION
• Introduction to Polymers in Surgery.
• Reasons for use.
• History of Use.
• Advantages and needs.
• Future.
• References