Abstract: Improved polymeric orthopaedic compositions are disclosed wherein sized, functional fibers are incorporated into a physiologically acceptable matrix. The compositions of the invention can be fabricated in the form of particulate powders adapted for reinforcment of bone cements, continuous media for such cements, and orthopaedic implant coatings. A complete implant attachment system is also provided, made up of a fiber reinforced implant coating, and a compatible fiber-reinforced cement. In preferred forms, the fibers have a layer of sizing thereover which is chemically joined both to the surface of the fibers and to the surrounding matrix, and the fibers are present at a level of at least about 6 volume percent. If desired, sized radiopaque particles may be incorporated into the compositions of the invention. The fibers are advantageously polymeric in nature and of intermediate stiffness, whereas the matrix fraction is preferably polymethylmethacrylate.

Abstract: Improved polymeric orthopaedic compositions are disclosed wherein sized, functional fibers are incorporated into a physiologically acceptable matrix. The compositions of the invention can be fabricated in the form of particulate powders adapted for reinforcment of bone cements, continuous media for such cements, and orthopaedic implant coatings. A complete implant attachment system is also provided, made up of a fiber reinforced implant coating, and a compatible fiber-reinforced cement. In preferred forms, the fibers have a layer of sizing thereover which is chemically joined both to the surface of the fibers and to the surrounding matrix, and the fibers are present at a level of at least about 6 volume percent. If desired, sized radiopaque particles may be incorporated into the compositions of the invention. The fibers are advantageously polymeric in nature and of intermediate stiffness, whereas the matrix fraction is preferably polymethylmethacrylate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a thin substantially uniform polymeric coating on the inside surface of tubing. Tubing constituted of dielectric material is passed through a glow discharge zone in which the glow discharge is produced by reactance coupling utilizing power provided by a radio frequency power source. Simultaneously with the movement of the tubing through the glow discharge zone, a monomer that is subject to glow discharge polymerization is passed through the glow discharge zone in the interior of the tubing, while a low absolute pressure is maintained in the interior within the zone. Glow discharge polymerization of the monomer is thereby effected to form a thin polymeric coating on the inside surface of the tubing.Also disclosed is a novel tubing constituted of dielectric material and having on the inside surface thereof a thin adherent, substantially uniform coating produced by glow discharge polymerization.