Abstract: A hollow bone enclosure (16), of resorbable polymer, such as poly lactic or poly glycolic acid. The hollow bone enclosure comprises an inner contact portion (18), for insertion into a bone defect (not shown) and arranged to make an intimate fit with the surface of the defect, and an outer closure portion.

Abstract: A method of assessing the stiffness of bone comprising the steps of: placing an elongate probe into a predrilled aperture in the bone to be assessed; exciting the elongate probe to physically oscillate; and monitoring the resonance frequency of the probe. The resonance frequency is analysed to determine the quality, density and/or stiffness of the bone.

Abstract: A surface treatment process for an implantable medical device including a surface dielectric insulating layer, the process comprising the application of ions onto said dielectric insulating layer, the ions being capable of forming an electrostatic charge and locally creating an electric field associated with at least part of the surface of said implantable medical device upon application of a liquid to said surface.

Abstract: A surface treatment process for improving the hydrophilicity of at least part of an implantable medical device. The process comprises applying to the surface of the implantable medical device a solution of a non-ionic substance having at least one polar covalently-bonded group and drying the implantable medical device to form a hydrophilic deposition of the substance on the surface of the implantable medical device.

Abstract: A surface treatment process for an implantable medical device including a surface dielectric insulating layer, the process comprising the application of ions onto said dielectric insulating layer, the ions being capable of forming an electrostatic charge and locally creating an electric field associated with at least part of the surface of said implantable medical device upon application of a liquid to said surface.

Abstract: Device for determining the stability of an implant fitted in the human body, where a vibration-producing unit cooperates with the implant and gives a frequency signal (i1) which is a function of its stability and characteristic features, characterized in that it operates with a digital information signal (i2) which represents the stability and feature and is generated in a receiver unit which receivers the frequency signal (i1) and converts it to the digital information signal (i2), in that the information item(s) representing the characteristic features are included in or connected to information-containing elements (memories) included in or connected to the device, and in that one or more information signals (i4) principally represent only the stability, which information signal or signals (i4) result(s) from the processing, in an arithmetic unit, belonging to or connected to the device, of the digital information signal (i2) and the information item(s) representing the characteristic features in order to p

Abstract: A transducer assembly (10, 20, 80, 90) is used with an apparatus (100, 200) for detecting the stability of a bone implant (30). The transducer assembly uses one or more transducers to excite vibrations in said bone implant and to detect a response to the vibrations. A coupling (80) is used to detachably connect the one or more transducers to circuitry for driving the vibrations and detecting the response. A memory device (90) is provided within the transducer assembly. The memory device (90) can store one or more parameters read from outside of the transducer assembly via the coupling for controlling the use of the transducer.

Abstract: A probe comprising two spaced electrodes is provided between which electrical resistance through enamel, dentine or tooth tissue is measured. The electrodes comprise inner and outer coaxial electrodes spaced by an insulating layer. The diameter of the probe is preferably 1 mm. The tip of the probe may be shaped to match the surface being measured. The signal from the probe is A to D converted for analysis. The rate of change of resistance gives a measure of the rate of change of moisture level (porosity). The porosity is related to tooth sensitivity and so the system can provide an objective measurement of tooth sensitivity.

Abstract: A probe comprising two spaced electrodes is provided between which electrical resistance through enamel, dentine or tooth tissue is measured. The electrodes comprise inner and outer coaxial electrodes spaced by an insulating layer. The diameter of the probe is preferably 1 mm. The tip of the probe may be shaped to match the surface being measured. The signal from the probe is A to D converted for analysis. The rate of change of resistance gives a measure of the rate of change of moisture level (porosity). The porosity is related to tooth sensitivity and so the system can provide an objective measurement of tooth sensitivity.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing an implant attached to a bone of a human or animal subject includes a member releasably attached to the implant. The member carries a transducer for exciting the member with a variable frequency AC signal, and a transducer for detecting a resonance frequency of the member. The detected resonance frequency is used to assess the degree of attachment of the implant to the bone.