Abstract: A prosthesis for implant in a human patient body has an external envelope, at least one implant filling material, and at least one biologically compatible rupture indicator encapsulated in a sustained release delivery vehicle and disposed in a carrier medium, the rupture indicator capable of leaking out of upon rupture of the external envelope and triggering a signal detectable by the patient as it is released from the delivery vehicle, allowing for detection of a rupture or impending rupture by the patient.

Abstract: An ambulatory trans-lumbar traction system includes a flexible mid-torso brace proportioned for encirclement of the body of the user around the rib cage starting at a level of about the T8 vertebrate, and centered at the T12 vertebrae, the brace having an enlarged dorsal width of about four vertebrae and a frontal width of about one-half of the dorsal width, and includes a tension-variable securement of ends of the brace. The system also includes a flexible pelvic brace proportioned for encirclement about the body, the brace centered at about the level of the L4 vertebrate, and having a peripheral geometry substantially similar to that of the torso brace, the pelvic brace including a tension variable securement of the ends of the brace. Further included are at least two vertically symmetrically disposed cooperative, rigid cylinder and piston pairs vertically secured between each of the dorsal and front sides of the torso and pelvic braces.