Abstract: The present invention provides a two-part telescopic intramedullary orthopedic device comprising a first section inserted into the medullary cavity of one of the fractured or severed bone ends, and secured thereto, and a second section inserted into the medullary cavity of the other fractured or severed bone end and secured thereto, wherein the first section is telescoped within the internal space of the second section, and wherein one of the sections comprises a ferromagnetic material and the other section is either constructed entirely of a non-magnetic material or comprises a ferromagnetic material, wherein the ferromagnetic section(s) are actuable by an external axially directed magnetic field, such that one section may be caused to move axially (either bidirectional or essentially unidirectional) in relation to the other section. In addition, the invention encompasses a method for changing bone length as well as a method for enhancing bone fracture healing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a two-part telescopic intramedullary orthopedic device capable of connecting two adjacent fractured or severed bone ends, characterized in that said device comprises a first section inserted into the medullary cavity of one of the fractured or severed bone ends, and secured thereto, and a second section inserted into the medullary cavity of the other fractured or severed bone end and secured thereto, wherein said second section comprises an internal space communicating with an external opening, and wherein said first section is more or less telescoped within said internal space of said second section, and wherein one of said sections comprises a ferromagnetic material and the other section is either constructed entirely of a non-magnetic material or comprises a ferromagnetic material, wherein the ferromagnetic section(s) are actuable by an external magnetic field, such that one section may be caused to move axially in relation to the other section, and wherein said axial movemen

Abstract: A scaffold for use as a growth supportive base for cells and tissue explants is formed of naturally occurring derived connective or skeletal tissue that has been treated for elimination of cellular and cytosolic components comprising DNA, RNA, peptides, lipids and proteoglycans. The treated tissue can be crosslinked and treated for producing a higher porosity such as by mechanical or chemical treatment. Alternatively, the treated tissue is ground to form flakes having a size below 1000&mgr;, and the flakes are attached to each other to provide a scaffold having a porosity of at least 85%. The scaffold may be composed of several single-flake layers arranged on top of the other. The scaffold can be impregnated with cells to form tissue such as epiphysial tissue, and may contain adhesive molecules or growth factors. A prosthesis for implanting can be formed using the scaffold. The scaffold may be composed of fused epiphyses.

Abstract: A growth support scaffold for cells and tissue is formed of naturally derived connective or skeletal tissue which has been treated for elimination of cellular and cytosolic elements, and modified by cross-linking with hyaluronic acid, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, chondroitin sulfates, heparan sulfates, heparins or dextran sulfates. The scaffold may contain cell adhesive molecules and growth factors, and can be formulated as a malleable prosthesis. A tissue maintenance system is provided containing a chamber having a constant atmosphere which may contain the scaffold impregnated with cells, a medium-containing reservoir, a pump which can be computer controlled for circulating the medium between the chamber and reservoir and may change direction of medium flow every 1 to 3 minutes, and a pressure generator, which can be the pump, for producing rhythmic pulses of pressure such as between 0.5 to 30 atm and frequency of 5-300 per minute.

Abstract: The invention concerns a scaffold which is used as a growth supportive base for various cells and tissue explants from three-dimensional tissue comprising naturally derived connective or skeletal tissue into attached flakes having a very high porosity. Alternatively the scaffold is composed of fused epiphyses.