MAGNETIC bandages could soon be used for the repair of worn joints or to mend broken bones.
Researchers found that combining the injection of stem cells with the dressings can help cartilage and bone regrow.
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This method would allow patients to recover at home and could end the need for hip or knee replacements.
The NHS does about 100,000 of each every year, as well as spending £2billion on treating 850,000 broken bones.
The technique sees tiny magnetic particles attached to stem cells — which are able to turn into bone and cartilage.
The magnetic bandage is activated and guided to the affected areas before they are inhaled.
The treatment was shown to speed up bone healing in sheep tests. Trials on humans are being planned.
Professor Alicia El Haj from Birmingham University stated that the method works better than existing treatments, and would be continued. “quicker, cheaper and much less painful”.
She said: “You could have it in a GP clinic.”
The Royal Society summer science exhibition will present the breakthrough.