Currently, fractured bones are held together by metal plates but these are too stiff to allow fast healing and may also have to be removed once healing has taken place. These researchers are using a less stiff but equally strong plate which will “vanish” after the fracture has healed. The new plate is made of biodegradable materials which will break down into elements that can be either recycled or eliminated by the body. The researchers will study the interaction of cells with the materials, and their breakdown products, to make sure that they can be used safely in fracture repair.