Abstract: A system for delivering bone graft material into an interbody fusion device (IBFD) in an intradiscal space of a spine, the IBFD having an open-frame with a hollow interior and an opening through its proximal end communicating with the interior. Included is an elongate channel having a lumen extending therethrough, the distal end being in engagement with the IBFD to align the lumen with the opening through the proximal end of the IBFD. An adjustable block is movably attached to the channel, the block having plural chambers containing bone graft material, the chambers being individually sequentially alignable with the lumen. A plunger pushes graft material from each chamber, through the lumen and into the IBFD. A distal end of a tamper is configured to be inserted through each chamber and the lumen and into the IBFD interior for tamping graft material deposited into the interior of the IBFD.

Abstract: A surgical guide includes a body including a beveled distal surface configured to being placed against a side of a foot and a proximal surface. The body includes at least one channel that extends between the beveled distal surface and the proximal surface of the body. At least one K-wire is receivable in the at least one channel and is configured to being received in a metatarsal and a capital fragment of the foot. The guide includes a handle, and a preset angle is defined between a longitudinal axis of the body and the beveled distal surface of the body. The preset angle is between approximately 25° and approximately 30°.

Abstract: A method for performing lumbar interbody fusion surgery may include forming an access corridor through a facet joint of a patient, removing disc material from a disc space of the patient via one or more instruments advanced through the access corridor, and advancing an interbody device through the access corridor and into the disc space.

Abstract: A method for treating a spine comprises the steps of: inserting a surgical instrument into a tissue cavity, the surgical instrument including an image guide oriented relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of a position of the surgical instrument relative to the tissue cavity; displaying a selected configuration with a distal end of the surgical instrument in the tissue cavity; tracking movement of the selected configuration in the tissue cavity with a tracking device that communicates with a processor to generate data for display of the movement; and determining a volume of the tissue cavity based on the data. Systems, spinal constructs, implants and surgical instruments are disclosed.

Abstract: An implant can include a single- or dual-layer braided body having a variable porosity. In a dual-layer body, first and second longitudinal sections, having respective first and second porosities, can be overlapped such that the first and second porosities overlap each other. The dual-layer construction can cumulatively provide a third porosity at a distal portion and a fourth porosity at a proximal portion. The third and fourth porosities can each be greater than each of the first and second porosities.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant may include an anterior plate forming a first monolithic structure defining a first end of the implant, and including at least two screw holes each configured to receive a bone screw; and a plurality of coils extending from the anterior plate about a periphery of the implant. The screw holes may be angled such that, when the implant is inserted between two adjacent vertebrae, bone screws are guided into the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A method for providing a tool system for removing prosthetic cement from a bone of a patient undergoing a joint prosthesis replacement operation includes scanning the patient in the area of the joint prosthesis to obtain a profile of a line of intersection of a prosthetic cement/bone interface at its intersection with a longitudinally pre-selected plane; providing a guide member shaped as a stem of the prosthesis in a prosthetic cavity located in said prosthetic cement; and providing a cutting tool for forming a running cut through the prosthetic cement along the line of intersection. A stem of the cutting tool includes two protrusions along the length thereof. A guide member includes two grooves which each engage one of said protrusions. Grooves are profiled so the outer end of the stem is forced to follow a path corresponding to the profile of the line of intersection of the cement/bone interface.

Abstract: A device for correcting a compression-type fracture including a housing at a proximal end of the device, a cannula extending from the housing and through a directional balloon, and a tip at a distal end of the cannula, wherein the cannula has an outer tube for supplying fluid to the balloon and an inner tube positioned within the outer tube for supplying cement through at least one opening in the distal end of the cannula. A method of using the device where the device is inserted into a fracture site, the balloon is inflated to elevate fragments of the fracture, cement is injected into the opening created by elevating the fragments of the fracture and the device is removed from the fracture site. The balloon may be deflated before the injection of the cement or simultaneous with the injection of the cement.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a bone cement from a container, comprising a connecting element for reversibly connecting the device to the container, a rod-like dispensing element, which at least partially has an external thread, a switching system, which at least partially has a first internal thread, wherein the first internal thread can be coupled in a positive manner to the external thread in such a way that the dispensing element can be axially screwed into the container in a first coupled switching system position, and the dispensing element can be pushed freely axially into the container in a second decoupled switching system position.

Abstract: A kyphoplasty system disclosed herein includes various instruments which can be selectively used to perform a kyphoplasty operation on a patient. For example, in some embodiments the kyphoplasty system includes an inflation plunger that is used to deliver a balloon inflation medium to enlarge an implantable balloon device. Further, some embodiments described herein include a connection system between the implantable balloon device and its delivery shaft that is simple to construct and easy to use. For example, in some embodiments one or more sutures are used to releasably connect the implantable balloon device to its delivery shaft.

Abstract: A system for restoring height of a vertebral body with a balloon and stabilizing the vertebral body with bone cement. A delivery tube extends from a handle and may be formed from a flexible polymer and a radiopaque filler. The flexible polymer maintains a patent lumen along a curve so as to receive sequential introduction of the balloon and the bone cement to within the vertebral body at a location offset from a longitudinal axis. The radiopaque filler provides for at least a portion of the delivery tube being radiopaque under fluoroscopic visualization. The radiopaque filler may be barium, and the delivery tube may be constructed from coextruding the flexible polymer with the barium. Visual indicia on the handle may indicate a position of the delivery tube relative to another component of the system such as an access cannula. The visual indicia may indicate a direction of the curve.

Abstract: A system and method for attaching tissue to bone are provided. In one embodiment, a system for attaching tissue to bone includes a suture, suture anchor, inserter tool, drill, and drill guide having an outer guide and an inner guide. A method for attaching tissue to bone includes attaching a suture to tissue, nesting the suture in a notch on the distal end of the outer guide, passing the suture through a lumen formed in the outer guide, and inserting an inner guide in a lumen formed in the outer guide. The drill guide protects the suture from rotational movement of the drill and allows a user to maintain alignment between the drill guide and the drilled hole. As a result, a suture anchor can be more easily positioned within the drilled hole.

Abstract: A filament or printing material placed in a syringe for 3D printing comprising polymers, proteins, and/or functional particles and materials is provided. Methods of treating a bone defect in a subject in need thereof comprising using a handheld 3D printer to apply a filament or the printing material placed in a syringe to the bone defect of the subject are also provided. Methods of fixing or gluing natural or synthetic bone grafts using a handheld 3D printer to apply a filament or the printing material placed in a syringe over and around the defect or at the interface of a flap and the bone. Methods of printing a graft cage for retaining bone grafts and/or bone graft substitute in its desired location during healing for treatment of critical-sized segmental defects in long bones are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides medical devices, particularly medical grade needles with removable tips, as well as methods of needle tip installation and removal, and devices therefor. Needle tip installation and removal devices may include needle tip installation and removal tools and kits, including hand held and manipulated tools that facilitate the installation and removal of needle tips, particularly on vascular access port needles. Such installation and removal devices may provide more expedient hook up of the access port for the therapy. Also, the installation and removal of the needle tips may be conducted in a more sterile manner.

Abstract: A device for collecting a bone graft material comprises a canister extending defining a filter-receiving space therein, the canister including a connection for connecting to a vacuum source, a proximal end of the canister including a first locking feature and a filter element sized and shaped to be received within the filter-receiving space of the canister, the filter element including a channel extending therethrough, the channel defined via a mesh material and a proximal end of the filter element including a second locking feature releasably engageable with the first locking feature of the canister via a rotation of the filter element about a longitudinal axis thereof relative to the canister in combination with an extractor sized and shaped to be received within the channel of the filter element, the extractor defining a graft material receiving space therein and being releasably engageable with the extractor.

Abstract: A system for delivering flowable biomaterial to an intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies includes a delivery body defining a proximal end, a distal end spaced from the proximal end along a longitudinal direction, a cannulation extending from the proximal end to an opening adjacent the distal end, and a distal region including a tip that extends to the distal end. The distal region defines a maximum height at a location proximal of the distal end and measured along a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The distal region is for indicating a distance between the adjacent vertebral bodies. The system includes a carrier having a longitudinaly elongate channel for carrying biomaterial and being insertable within the cannulation, as well as an advancement member configured for insertion within the cannulation to forcibly advance the biomaterial from the cannulation, through the opening, and into the disc space.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of preparing an osteogenic bone graft. The method includes introducing an anticoagulant compound into a volume of cellular material including a mononuclear cell population from the intramedullary canal of a long bone; collecting an effluent including the volume of cellular material containing the anticoagulant compound at a collection point; separating a concentrated cell fraction from the effluent, the concentrated cell fraction including the mononuclear cell population and the anticoagulant compound; and preparing an osteogenic bone graft from the concentrated cell fraction.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient's joint having opposing joint surfaces includes providing an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end and an expandable member near the distal end. The expandable member is positioned in the joint between the joint surfaces and expanded so as to separate the joint surfaces away from one another into a distracted position. The joint is manipulated while in the distracted position so that the joint is distracted and in flexion. A diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is then performed on the joint while maintaining the joint in the flexed and distracted position.

Abstract: In order to deliver porous particulate material into a cavity via a thin tube without substantially crushing the porous particulate material, a two-step process and an apparatus for use therein are provided. The two-step process involves inserting a first rod into the thin tube to push the porous particulate material therein; removing the first rod from the tube; and (a) inserting a second rod into the thin tube, or (b) joining a second rod with the first rod, and inserting the joined first rod and second rod, to push the porous particulate material which remains in the thin tube. In (a), the first rod has a cross sectional area significantly smaller than that of the thin tube, and the second rod has a cross sectional area which is about equal to that of the thin tube. In (b), each of the first rod and the second rod has a cross sectional area about half of the thin tube.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for reducing a vertebral compression fracture, comprising a superior end plate and an inferior end plate disposed along a vertical axis. The superior end plate and the inferior end plate are slidably separable in a vertical direction along the vertical axis. An interior chamber is provided in fluid communication with a port extending from an exterior to the interior chamber. The device is deployable within a vertebral body and expandable within the vertebral body by injecting a flowable material into the interior chamber thereby displacing the superior and inferior end plates along the vertical axis.

Abstract: A delivery system is provided that includes a device having a body extending along a longitudinal axis between proximal and distal ends. The body includes a proximal chamber, a distal chamber and a wall between the chambers. The body includes a first port in communication with the proximal chamber and a second port in communication with the distal chamber. A shaft is movably positioned within the body. The shaft extends through the wall and includes a proximal plunger positioned within the proximal chamber and a distal plunger positioned within the distal chamber. Pressure introduced through an opening in the proximal end moves the shaft such that the proximal plunger moves a fluid within the proximal chamber out of the first port and the distal plunger moves a fluid within the distal chamber out of the second port to simultaneously actuate a bone filler dispenser. Systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: An adjustable balloon that includes a handle having an inflation port, an access cannula, a rotary handle, an inner sleeve and sharp tip. The inner sleeve extends within the access cannula to support compliant, inflatable structure. The access cannula may be retracted into the handle by operation of the rotary handle to expose the inflatable structure, such that the inflatable structure may have an adjustable length. The access cannula may include length indicators to show a length of the inflatable structure as a result of the access cannula being withdrawn into the handle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to design methods for designing a mandrel for hammering, pressing and/or pushing an implant into position in a recess made in a joint and firmly attach the implant to the bone of a patient, the mandrel comprising a contacting surface adapted to be in contact with an articulate surface of the implant to be inserted, the method comprising designing the contacting surface of the mandrel to fit the articulate surface of the implant in that the contacting surface of the mandrel has a cross-sectional profile corresponding to the cross-sectional profile of the implant.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for performing soft tissue repair by delivering a suture through the soft tissue and underlying bone at two or more fixation points that can be spaced apart from each other and connected by the suture on the surface of the soft tissue. The two or more fixation points and the suture connected there between can be a continuous strand of suture, which can form a stitching assembly that can provide sufficient fixation in the bone and minimize disruption to the soft tissue and bone. In an example, the suture can be delivered into the bone using one or more implants that can catch the suture to drive the suture through the tissue and into the bone. The one or more implants can include structural features to aid in securing the suture to the implant. In an example, the suture can include structural features or be formed of a material to aid in fixation of the suture in the bone.

Abstract: An orthopedic drilling system having a collection chamber positioned between a drill guide and a drill bit proximately to the flute of the drill bit to evacuate debris and swarf from a drilling site. The drill bit may be cannulated to define a throughbore in communication with an irrigation inlet. The drill guide can reciprocate into and out of a hub and be connection to a suction source. The flute of the drill bit may have a first outer diameter that is larger than a second outer diameter of an intermediate portion of the drill bit positioned proximately to the flute to define the chamber between the drill bit and the drill guide. Alternatively, the drill guide may have a first inner diameter positioned about the flute of the drill bit and a second, larger inner diameter proximate to the flute to define the collection chamber.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for passing sutures around anatomical structures. In an exemplary embodiment, a suture delivery device is provided that includes a body portion having a suture delivery member disposed therein and configured to pass a suture around an anatomical structure. The suture delivery member can be movable between a retracted configuration in which the suture delivery member is disposed within the body portion and an advanced configuration in which the suture delivery member extends distally beyond the body portion and assumes an arcurate shape. The arcurate shape can correspond to a shape of the anatomical structure and can extend almost all of the way around the anatomical structure, for example at least around 270° of a circle, thus assisting a user in passing the suture around the anatomical structure without having to manually manipulate the suture delivery device at awkward angles around adjacent tissue.

Abstract: A method of securing an orthopedic hip prosthesis to an acetabulum of a living being. The prosthesis can be a shell or a cup, and the surgery can be a total hip arthroplasty such as a revision total hip arthroplasty. In some examples the method can include placing an augment at a bone surface of the acetabulum, applying a layer of fixation material over the bone surface in an amount sufficient to cover the augment, and then implanting the prosthesis over the layer of fixation material to secure the prosthesis to the layer of fixation material. In various aspects of the method, the augment can be an anchor or a spacer.

Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system and method is provided that provides directional, focused ultrasound to localized regions of tissue within body joints, such as spinal joints. An ultrasound emitter or transducer is delivered to a location within the body associated with the joint and heats the target region of tissue associated with the joint from the location. Such locations for ultrasound transducer placement may include for example in or around the intervertebral discs, or the bony structures such as vertebral bodies or posterior vertebral elements such as facet joints. Various modes of operation provide for selective, controlled heating at different temperature ranges to provide different intended results in the target tissue, which ranges are significantly affected by pre-stressed tissues such as in-vivo intervertebral discs. In particular, treatments above 70 degrees C., and in particular 75 degrees C.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for closing a tubular structure within a patient's body. The apparatus includes a needle including a proximal end including a hub, a distal end including a sharpened distal tip, a lumen having an oblong cross-section extending proximally from the distal end, and defining a longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends, and a clip deliverable from the lumen. The clip is compressible between a relaxed state in which a plurality of tines of the clip are shaped to engage and close a tubular structure within a patient's body, and a stressed state in which the tines are compressed to allow the clip to be loaded into the. The apparatus may also include a pusher member for deploying the clip from the distal tip of the needle such that the tines engage and close a tubular structure through which the tubular member is directed.

Abstract: Internal bone fixation devices and methods for using the devices for repairing a weakened or fractured bone are disclosed herein. A device for use in repairing a fractured bone includes a delivery catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the delivery catheter has an inner void for passage of at least one reinforcing material and an inner lumen for passage of a light source; a conformable member releasably engaging the distal end of the delivery catheter, wherein the conformable member moves from a deflated state to an inflated state when the at least one reinforcing material is delivered to the conformable member; and an adapter releasably engaging the proximal end of the delivery catheter for receiving the light source and the at least one reinforcing material.

Abstract: A method of making a spacer device or a device to be implanted in a human body that includes a containment body and is suitable for treating a bone seat or a joint seat of the human body includes a base portion and side walls that extend from the base portion and that delimit between them at least one cavity, wherein the containment body has a plurality of pores and/or at least one opening, configured to place the at least one internal cavity in communication with the outside of the containment body.

Abstract: An assembly for replacing a vertebral disc. The assembly includes an implant and a device for positioning the implant between two adjacent vertebrae. The implant includes a body having an internal compartment enclosed by an outer wall, and an endoskeleton coupled to the body. The device includes a cannula, a container coupled to the cannula, the container having a first end and a second end, a plunger threadingly coupled to the cannula and to the first end of the container, and a conduit coupled to the second end of the container and in fluid communication with the body of the implant. The implant is positioned within the cannula in an undeployed state and is deployed within a vertebral disc to receive a biological fluid in a second state.

Abstract: A method of preparing a bone graft. An osteoconductive matrix is placed in a receptacle. Bone marrow aspirate is provided that includes plasma, progenitor cells, hematopoietic cells, endothelial cells, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, bone, cartilage, thrombus or combinations thereof. The bone marrow aspirate is passed through the receptacle. At least a portion of bone marrow aspirate is retained in the receptacle. The portion of the bone marrow aspirate retained in the receptacle becomes associated with the osteoconductive matrix to form the bone graft.

Abstract: A bone graft delivery system can include an elongate tube and a handle having a trigger and a ratcheting mechanism. The trigger is actuated to deliver bone graft material through the tube. The bone graft delivery system can further include a distal tip at a distal end of the tube. The tip has one or more openings to deliver the bone graft material to a desired location and includes a surface suitable to act as a rasp for decorticating bone. A method for delivering bone graft material to a desired surgical location includes providing a bone graft delivery device, positioning the device adjacent the surgical location, decorticating bone, and delivering bone graft material to the surgical location.

Abstract: The custom-fitting collar sleeve backing for commercial hip prostheses includes a base and a top portion, the top portion being connected to the base. The base has a bottom surface defining an aperture. The aperture of the bottom surface is dimensioned and configured for receiving the neck portion of a hip prosthesis. The bottom surface of the base may have a beaded topology. The top portion includes a shoulder portion defining an aperture. The aperture of the shoulder portion includes an outwardly extending annular flange and is configured for fitting the cylindrical shaft of the neck portion of the hip prosthesis.

Abstract: An injection device is provided for repairing biological tissues and comprises a body, a chamber, an exterior tube, and a screw rod. The chamber is connected with the body and used for accommodating a repairing material. The exterior tube is connected with the chamber. The screw rod is disposed inside the chamber and the exterior tube. The threads of the screw rod disperse the repairing material. By using the threads of the screw rod and a driving force originating from the end of the screw rod, the repairing material is delivered into an organism.

Abstract: A surgical impact tool comprises an electromagnetic impactor hermetically sealed within a sterilizable housing having one or more external mechanical coupling for transmitting an impact to an object external to the tool. The housing also contains an energy storage medium rechargeable through the hermetic seal, and electronic controls operable through the hermetic seal.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to restore the mobility of an articular end (2) of a bone (3) of a patient by means of a reconstruction implant. This implant (1), which permits reconstruction both of bone and of cartilage, comprises a grated framework (10) and a sheet (20) made of a biological tissue material, this sheet firmly covering one face (11) of the framework, while the opposite face (12) is designed to be pressed rigidly against, and firmly joined to, the end of the bone.

Abstract: A vertebral augmentation system and methods for vertebral augmentation and/or fusion using same are provided. In certain embodiments, a pre-curved stylet or needle with an overlying delivery tube may be used to target a site within a bone structure, facilitating direction thereto of an expandable member useful for creating a cavity that may receive curable material to restore bone height, to reinforce the bone structure, and/or to fuse two, three, or more adjacent vertebrae. An expandable member such as, for example, a balloon can be used to create a plurality of voids by displacing bone material, where the voids can be filled with curable material to augment the vertebrae and intervening space can be filled to fuse those adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: The risk of bone cement extravaation can be reduced by delivering a calcium-dependent polymerizing sealant into a bone structure prior to delivery of bone cement into that structure. The polymerization of the sealant in response to the calcium within the bone structure can fill cracks and any other potential cement leakage paths, thereby minimizing the potential for subsequent extravaation. The benefits of the use of a calcium-dependent polymerizing sealant can be provided in any procedure involving the use of bone cement, such as spinal fixation, vertebroplasty, and kyphoplasty, among others.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for providing a balancing weight in a groove on a rotor disk in a gas turbine engine. The apparatus comprises an elongate reservoir for housing a hardenable material and an inflatable balloon in fluid communication with the distal end of the elongate reservoir. An actuator is provided for forcing the hardenable material from the elongate reservoir to inflate the inflatable balloon with hardenable material within the groove on the rotor disk. A sealing device for sealing the inflated inflatable element to form the balancing weight is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing an osteoconductive bone paste by heating an initial mixture containing an aqueous solution and a granular material including collagen and minerals. A portion of the collagen and the minerals are contained in grains of bone matrix. The initial mixture is heated enough to transform a portion of the collagen into gelatine and thus to obtain a cohesive bone paste having a predefined viscosity.

Abstract: Devices and method discussed for device for delivering a pressurized substance to an opening in bone within a vertebral column, useful to provide access to structures in the vertebral so that a substance, such as bone cement can be delivered through a lumen or portal or for providing access to the opening in bone by a separate instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus for a transluminal procedure includes: a case composed of a front case part formed in the shape of a pipe and having a locking groove at a rear end, a central case part combined with the front case part and having a button hole at a rear end, and a rear case part combined with the central case part and having a through-hole formed ahead of a button groove coming in contact with the button hole at a center; a locking member having a button and a locking end; an operation member formed in the shape of a pipe and moving up and down in the case; an inner wire in live operation member and locked to the case; and an outer tube fitted on the inner wire and fixed ahead of the operation member.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing orthopedic augments having recessed pockets that receive a fixation material. The orthopedic augments include an outer surface that interfaces with a patient's tissue or bone, and an inner surface that interfaces with an implant, the inner surface comprising a recessed pocket configured to receive a fixation material, a rim around at least a portion of the recessed pocket, and a port in the rim, wherein the recessed pocket extends along the inner surface in at least a direction laterally from the port.

Abstract: A special tube is disclosed for the insertion of materials inside the maxillary sinus in order to displace the Schneiderian membrane. The tube is connected to a source of a flowable material. The tube is inserted through the alveolar ridge beneath the maxillary sinus and when the flowable material is advanced through the tube the Schneiderian membrane is lifted. The tube can be part of a dental implant which is screwed inside the alveolar ridge.

Abstract: For fixedly implanting a device for material or signal delivery or acquisition or a part of such a device in a human or animal body, an opening is provided in hard tissue of the body, the opening reaching through a hard tissue layer, e.g. through a cortical bone layer into cancellous bone underneath. The device includes a plug portion and/or a cover portion which includes a ring of a material having thermoplastic properties extending around the plug portion or on a tissue facing surface of the cover portion. The opening provided in the hard tissue has a cross section at least in the area of its mouth that is adapted to the plug or cover portion such that the plug portion can be introduced through the mouth of the opening or the cover portion can be positioned over the mouth of the opening such that the ring extends around the opening, along its wall and/or on the hard tissue surface around its mouth.

Abstract: A hemostatic system includes a first tube defining a first lumen configured to channel a fluid therethrough, a second tube housing at least a portion of the first tube and at least partially defining a second lumen configured to channel a hemocoagulant agent therethrough, a hopper coupled to the second tube, and an injection device. The hopper defines a cavity in fluid communication with the second lumen and is configured to retain the hemocoagulant agent therein. The injection device is selectively positionable within the second lumen and/or the cavity to facilitate channeling the hemocoagulant agent from the cavity through the second lumen.

Abstract: Contemplated compositions and methods for protection of concrete and various other cementitious materials comprise a step of formation of a mesoporous polymeric network within the concrete or other cementitious material, wherein the network further includes a cationic component that forms a substantially insoluble precipitate upon reaction with sulfuric acid to so form a composite barrier against further attack by sulfuric acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel way to replenish the disc using retooled disc compositions to repair degenerative discs. There is no better source of proteoglycans than the actual disc material (6) itself. To this end, there has been developed a technique to remove the nucleus pulposus and retool the morphology of the nucleus pulposus to create a powder material (10) that is dry and can be stored at room temperature for long periods of time. This powder (10) can then be reconstituted with a variety of fluids, the most suitable being normal saline or lactated ringers to form a flowable mixture (20).