Scientists at Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI) are inventing the future of health care by developing innovative tools and devices that aim to solve some of health care’s most complex challenges.
A brainstorming session among colleagues more than a decade and a half ago led to an invention that provides a novel way to fix broken facial bones. Cari Whyne, Program Director of the Holland Bone and Joint Research Program and Senior Scientist at Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI); Jeffrey Fialkov, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; and Paul Santerre, Professor and Baxter Chair in Health Technology and Commercialization at the University Health Network, worked together with a team of trainees and colleagues to bring BoneTape to life.
The invention, made out of polymers, essentially acts like duct tape for non-load bearing bones (predominately in the face) to hold fractures stable while they heal. In contrast to currently used metal plates and screws, once the fracture is healed (typically within 6 to 8 weeks) the BoneTape biodegrades and ultimately disappears. In 2018, Cohesys, a medical device start-up company based in Toronto, was founded by Michael Floros (who worked as a postdoctoral fellow on the project) to further develop and commercialize BoneTape. The investigational device, not yet licensed for commercial sale, was recently tested in a first-in-human clinical trial for craniofacial fracture repair at Sunnybrook.
This is one of many inventions emerging from the Holland Bone and Joint Program where researchers are constantly pushing the boundaries of discovery to help the musculoskeletal system heal faster and better.
We recently sat down with one of the inventors of BoneTape, Dr. Whyne, to learn about what inspired BoneTape and her passion for health care innovation.
What inspired BoneTape?
Through many years of working together with Dr. Fialkov, I developed an understanding of the biomechanics of the facial skeleton, and the limitations of existing fracture fixation technologies used in the face (such as small metal plates and screws). Screws do not hold well to small thin facial bones and the complex geometry of the facial bones requires flexibility to realign broken fragments. Metal hardware can cause complications like infection and it is not uncommon that a second surgery to remove the plates and screws is needed. Our research on the biomechanics of the facial skeleton revealed that many areas are not exposed to high loads, so they likely could remain stable and heal as long as there is something, such as tape, keeping the fracture together.
What influenced you to become an inventor?
I studied mechanical engineering during my undergrad and was drawn to biomechanics. I did my PhD in bioengineering within a department of orthopedics as I wanted to do work that would directly translate to making a positive impact on clinical care. Working with clinicians and identifying real challenges that exist for them and their patients, allows me and my team to design solutions to improve surgical procedures and patient outcomes. Sunnybrook, as a hospital based research institute, has allowed me to pursue my interests in developing new technology to improve health care delivery.
What advice would you give to other aspiring health innovators?
Pursue your passion and interests. Revel in the excitement around new ideas and work collaboratively with colleagues to move projects forward. It takes a strong team to bring these inventions to life from ideation, to testing, and ultimately into the clinical workflow.
How has your experience at Sunnybrook shaped the invention of BoneTape?
Sunnybrook enables these innovative ideas to become a reality through a bench to bedside mentality. We came up with the idea of BoneTape here, and researchers from Sunnybrook and the University of Toronto developed the prototype and did extensive preclinical testing. This has led to the recent successful clinical trial of BoneTape at Sunnybrook. I’ve been able to work with many talented people, including Dr. Fialkov at Sunnybrook and build a team that is able to create new innovations to improve bone and joint care.
Learn more about Sunnybrook’s Holland Bone and Joint Research Program.