Abstract: A bone paste useful in the orthopedic arts, for example in the repair of non-union fractures, periodontal ridge augmentation, craniofacial surgery, implant fixation, impaction grafting, or any other procedure in which generation of new bone is deemed necessary, is provided by a composition comprising a substantially bioabsorbable osteogenic compound in a gelatin matrix. In various embodiments, the osteogenic compound is selected from (i) demineralized bone matrix (DBM); (ii) bioactive glass ceramic, BIOGLASS®, bioactive ceramic, calcium phosphate ceramic, hydroxyapatite, hydroxyapatite carbonate, corraline hydroxyapatite, calcined bone, tricalcium phosphate, or like material; (iii) bone morphogenetic protein, TGF-?, PDGF, or mixtures thereof, natural or recombinant; and (iv) mixtures of (i)-(iii).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. Also disclosed is a tissue graft or implant comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. The composition and/or tissue graft or implant of the invention is usable in combination with seeded cells, a tissue growth factor, and/or a chemotactic gent to attract a desired cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an efficient and cost-effective system for reconstituting bone pastes comprising a first syringe containing a reconstitution fluid and second syringe containing paste components, wherein said first and second syringes are communicatingly interconnectable. Also disclosed are novel methods for producing and storing bone pastes. Alternatively, a mixing syringe is disclosed, which is useful for reconstituting a paste, inter alia, comprising a flexible midportion, whereby repeated compression of the flexible midportion results in mixing the contents of the syringe.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. Also disclosed is a tissue graft or implant comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. The composition and/or tissue graft or implant of the invention is usable in combination with seeded cells, a tissue growth factor, and/or a chemotactic agent to attract a desired cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are biomedical implants, and methods of using same, that are derived from bone. Particularly exemplified are implants having a tapered dowel shape that are useful for implantation in the spine, and especially in the cervical region of the spine. The taper of the implants disclosed herein provides an advantage over conventional implants, as it creates the proper support and angulation to maintain the proper curvature of the spine. Optionally, the implants taught herein are associated with osteogenic materials or other biomedical substances.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel injectable, biocompatible compositions, preferably, comprising a combination of particulate, processed tissue and a carrier. Specifically disclosed are compositions comprising acellular, pulverized dermis combined with at least one glycosaminoglycan and/or gelatin. The subject compositions provide for improved retention of the composition at the site of implantation. Also disclosed are medical applications using the disclosed compositions, such as cosmetic enhancement or filling in of voids due to abnormalities, injuries, surgery, or aging. In addition, kits comprising at least one container of a freeze-dried, particulate tissue and at least one container of a glycosaminoglycan, or crude platelet extract and used thereof as a wound treatment/dressing, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. Also disclosed is a tissue graft or implant comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. The composition and/or tissue graft or implant of the invention is usable in combination with seeded cells, a tissue growth factor, and/or a chemotactic agent to attract a desired cell.

Abstract: An implant composed substantially of cortical bone is provided for use in cervical Smith-Robinson vertebral fusion procedures. The implant is derived from allograft or autograft cortical bone sources, is machined to form a symmetrically or asymmetrically shaped (e.g. a substantially “D”-shaped) implant having a canal running therethrough according to methods of this invention, and inserted into the space between adjacent cervical vertebrae to provide support and induce fusion of the adjacent vertebrae. Osteogenic, osteoinductive or osteoconductive materials may be packed into the canal of the implant to expedite vertebral fusion and to allow autologous bony ingrowth.

Abstract: An implant composed substantially of cortical bone is provided for use in cervical Smith-Robinson vertebral fusion procedures. The implant is derived from allograft or autograft cortical bone sources, is machined to form a symmetrically or asymmetrically shaped (e.g. a substantially “D”-shaped) implant having a canal running therethrough according to methods of this invention, and inserted into the space between adjacent cervical vertebrae to provide support and induce fusion of the adjacent vertebrae. Osteogenic, osteoinductive or osteoconductive materials may be packed into the canal of the implant to expedite vertebral fusion and to allow autologous bony ingrowth.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intermediate composition for producing a muscle tissue matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier, preferably a biocompatible acid solution, to form a muscle tissue slurry having a viscosity within the range of 1 centistoke to 20,000 centistokes measured at 25° C. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a tissue implant comprising a human muscle tissue matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is processed dermis graft for use in orthopedic surgical procedures. Specifically exemplified herein is a processed dermis graft comprising one or more bone blocks having a groove cut into the surface thereof, wherein said groove is sufficient to accommodate a fixation screw. Also disclosed is a method of processing dermis that results in a dermis derived implant suitable to replace a tendon or ligament in a recipient in need thereof. Other compositions and applications of a dermis derived implant, and methods of manufacture and use, are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for modulating plant growth is provided whereby seedlings that are grown in containers such as blocks are fertilized at lift. Prior to fertilization, the block, which has numerous plug cavities, is restrained. The seedlings, which are grown in plugs formed in plug cavities, are supported and a bore is drilled into the bottom of the plug. The bore extends to the top of the plug to produce a small port, which serves as a port for expulsion of air during the injection operation. The fertilizer is measured in a metering roller and is then pneumatically injected into the bore in the plug. Upon completion of the injection, the bore is closed to reduce the loss of fertilizer from the plug. The various operations may be automated or performed manually.

Abstract: A drill/injector combination is provided to inject plants that are grown in containers such as blocks at lift with plant growth modulators. The drill/injector combination is comprised of a seedlings holder, a block restraint, a cavity tool apparatus, a metering apparatus, an injection apparatus and optionally, a bore closing apparatus. The combination may be manually operated or may be automated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved Bone Tendon Bone graft for use in orthopedic surgical procedures. Specifically exemplified herein is a Bone Tendon Bone graft comprising one or more bone blocks having a groove cut into the surface thereof, wherein said groove is sufficient to accommodate a fixation screw. Also disclosed is a method of harvesting grafts that has improved efficiency and increases the quantity of extracted tissue and minimizes time required by surgeon for implantation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved Bone Tendon Bone graft for use in orthopedic surgical procedures. Specifically exemplified herein is a Bone Tendon Bone graft comprising one or more bone blocks having a groove cut into the surface thereof, wherein said groove is sufficient to accommodate a fixation screw. Also disclosed is a method of harvesting grafts that has improved efficiency and increases the quantity of extracted tissue and minimizes time required by surgeon for implantation.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for manufacture of autograft, allograft and xenograft implants which comprises assembling such implants from smaller pieces of graft materials to form a larger graft implant product. One segment of an assembled graft implant is comprised of two or more discrete regions having distinct characteristics and/or properties.

Abstract: Improved methods of, apparatuses, devices and kits are disclosed for preparing and implanting a meniscal implant by surgical means into a recipient in need thereof. The bone bridge of the replacement meniscus is pre-shaped to fit into a slot in the recipient's tibia. The positioning of the slot is accomplished by an alignment procedure that conforms the slot to the angle of the dorsal tibial plane. Also disclosed are devices and corresponding methods to size the bone bridge section of the implants that have improved efficiency and increase the quality of implant and success of meniscal implant procedures.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are compositions, devices, methods and kits that are useful in surgical procedures, specifically to induce adhesions for the purposes of stabilizing implants, closing apertures, and otherwise promoting the adhesion of implants and anatomical structures to one another. The invention pertains to a composition containing specific particulate components, wherein the particulates promote an inflammatory reaction that results in the formation of an adhesion.

Abstract: This application provides a novel unitary bone implant having at least one rigid, mineralized bone segment, which may be machined to include threads, grooves, a driver head, perforations, a recess, or a symmetric shape, and a flexible, demineralized segment, which may also be machined to any desired shape prior to demineralization, or after demineralization. The disclosed implant has wide orthopedic applicability, including but not limited to repair or replacement of ligaments, tendons, and joints and for inducing vertebral fusions and fractured bone repair.

Abstract: This invention includes a novel method for safely, effectively and efficiently pooling of tissues for treatment prior to implantation into a recipient in need thereof. In one embodiment, the method includes perfusion of a porous implant which achieves efficient interpenetration of desired factors into and removal of undesirable factors from the pores of the implant, cleaning of the implant, efficient passivation of the implant (inactivation of pathogens, microorganisms, cells, viruses and the like and reduction in antigenicity thereof), and the novel implant produced by such treatment. The process presents a system wherein the rate of pressure cycling, the fact of pressure cycling, and the amplitude of pressure cycling, results in highly cleaned tissues and other implants for implantation.