Abstract: An osteoimplant composite comprising a plurality of particles of an inorganic material, a bone substitute material, a bone-derived material, or any combination thereof; and a polymer material with which the particles are combined. The composite is either naturally moldable or flowable, or it can be made moldable or settable. After implantation, the composite may be set to provide mechanical strength to the implant. The inventive composite have the advantage of being able to fill irregularly shape implantation site while at the same time being settable to provide the mechanical strength required for most orthopedic applications. The invention also provides methods of using and preparing the moldable and flowable composites.

Abstract: A process for forming a rod of bioabsorbable polymeric material includes extruding the material at a temperature above its melting point at a controlled rate of between 0.4 to 20 feet per minute to form a continuous rod. The continuous rod is then cooled by passing the rod through a cooling bath to cause nucleation. The continuous rod is passed through a first puller running at least at the same speed as the extruder. A second puller is provided which is moving faster than the first puller so that the continuous rod is elongated at a ratio of between 2 and 12 times. During this elongation, the rod is heated to a temperature of between 55° C. and 140° C. in an oven located between the first and second pullers. The rod is annealed at a temperature of between 70° C. and 110° C. after being elongated but prior to exiting the second puller. Upon exiting the second puller, the tension in the rod is released and the continuous rod is then allowed to cool.

Abstract: A process for forming a rod of bioabsorbable polymeric material includes extruding the material at a temperature above its melting point at a controlled rate of between 0.4 to 20 feet per minute to form a continuous rod. The continuous rod is then cooled by passing the rod through a cooling bath to cause nucleation. The continuous rod is passed through a first puller running at least at the same speed as the extruder. A second puller is provided which is moving faster than the first puller so that the continuous rod is elongated at a ratio of between 2 and 12 times. During this elongation, the rod is heated to a temperature of between 55° C. and 140° C. in an oven located between the first and second pullers. The rod is annealed at a temperature of between 70° C. and 110° C. after being elongated but prior to exiting the second puller. Upon exiting the second puller, the tension in the rod is released and the continuous rod is then allowed to cool.

Abstract: A process of purifying and stabilizing a high molecular weight polylactide polymer by contacting solid polymer particles with methyl alcohol and subsequently acetone.

Abstract: An absorbable bone plate resistant to breakage fabricated with such interrelated dimensions that the highest stresses developed along the length of the plate when the plate is implanted are relatively constant and do not vary by more than 20% and preferably do not vary by more than 10%.