Biodegradable nanofibrous pharmaceutical-eluting stents for finger joint reconstruction

Reconstructing small joints is a complex and challenging process that can result in graft-associated complications, primarily owing to the unsatisfactory function of currently used silastic material and the induction of adverse host reactions. This work addresses this issue by developing a solution-extrusion additively manufactured polycaprolactone (PCL) tubular mesh stents integrated with electrospun nanofibers containing prednisone- and ketorolac-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). The mechanical performance of PCL stents and the drug release profiles of pharmaceuticals from spun nanofibers were evaluated. The results indicate that the manufactured PCL stents exhibit excellent mechanical strength and fatigue resistance. Furthermore, the drug-releasing nanofibers effectively eluted prednisone and ketorolac for over 30 days in vitro. In vivo tests on a rabbit knee model demonstrated sustained pharmaceutical release for >42 days. Animals that received the degradable drug-loaded stent exhibited the highest activity levels. These findings indicate that hybrid bioresorbable drug-eluting stents with extended prednisone and ketorolac release have potential applications in small joint arthroplasty.