Abstract: A system and method of packaging a bone allograft for use in a future medical procedure in which the bone allograft is stored in a saturated saline solution in an airtight container. The saline solution keeps the allograft hydrated and may be saturated with a combination of calcium, phosphate, or magnesium to inhibit mineral leaching out of the allograft during storage. The container may be deformable to conform to the shape of the allograft material as the container is “shrink-fitted” to the allograft. Optionally, the bone allograft may also be freeze-dried prior to placement in the container.

Abstract: A method of promoting regeneration of surface cartilage of a joint includes the steps of covering the area to be treated with a patch which includes a sheet of collagen membrane material. The collagen membrane material has at least one barrier layer to prevent passage of cells therethrough. The collagen membrane further includes a matrix layer predominantly of collagen II having an open sponge-like texture. The patch is fixed over the area to be treated, and the area is allowed to regenerate cartilage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant comprising two or more bone fragments that are combined to form a single unit. Cancellous bone or cortical bone is removed from a source and fashioned into bone components with desirable shapes and sizes. The bone components may be integrated to form implants for implantation in the body. Bone stock may be formed by combining sections of various bones of the body, and the bone stock may be further fashioned for use as implants with particular geometries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant comprising two or more bone fragments that are combined to form a single unit. Cancellous bone or cortical bone is removed from a source and fashioned into bone components with desirable shapes and sizes. The bone components may be integrated to form implants for implantation in the body. Bone stock may be formed by combining sections of various bones of the body, and the bone stock may be further fashioned for use as implants with particular geometries.

Abstract: A bone fusion implant for repair or replacement of bone includes a hollow body formed from at least two bone fragments which are configured and dimensioned for mutual engagement and which are coupled together. The hollow body may be formed of autograft, allograft, or xenograft bone tissue, and may include a core formed of at least one of bone material and bone inducing substances, with the core being disposed in the hollow body.

Abstract: A body, such as a grain, for providing ingrowth and growth of bone tissue and/or connective tissue. The body consists of a plastic or non-essentially elastic biocompatible material, preferably metal or metal alloy. It is also porous, having the following porosity characteristics: (a) the porosity is continuous and (b) the opening of cavities/indentations/pockets and the ducts connecting them has the width of >about 50 ?m for bone tissue and >about 10 ?m for connective tissue. In a method of making such a body, the body has been produced by blowing gas into a melt of metal. An advantageous use of bodies according to the invention is enclosing thereof in a casing, formed with openings, for making an implant, such as a spinal implant.

Abstract: A method of forming a bone composite, comprising: providing bone tissue; grinding said bone tissue to form ground tissue; molding the ground bone tissue into a bone composite; applying a binder to the bone composite; applying a vacuum to the mold, and optionally milling or refining the bone composite to the desired shape. Additionally, bone tissue composites made therefrom are included. The composites may be, for example, a bone pin, screw, or prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable cage for holding tissue graft material. The cage includes a chamber configured and dimensioned to receive the tissue graft material and at least one side wall defining the chamber. In one embodiment, the cage is made of a biodegradable material. In another embodiment, the cage is made of a material that includes a bone-growth enhancer.

Abstract: The invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a substantially non-immunogenic bone xenograft for implantation into humans. The invention further provides a method for preparing a bone xenograft by removing at least a portion of a bone from a non-human animal to provide a xenograft (X); washing the xenograft in saline and alcohol; subjecting the xenograft to a cellular disruption treatment; and treating the xenograft with a glycosidase to remove surface carbohydrate moieties. The invention also provides an article of manufacture produced by the above identified method of invention. The invention further provides a bone xenograft for implantation into a human including a portion (10) of a bone from a nonhuman animal, wherein the portion has substantially no surface carbohydrate moieties which are susceptible to glycosidase digestion. Each xenograft of the invention has substantially the same mechanical properties as a corresponding native bone.

Abstract: Implantable devices useful for creating bony fusion particularly in intervertebral spinal fusion. The device is formed of bone and has an at least partially demineralized portion between two rigid bone portions creating an area of flexibility. In one application, the area of flexibility may be used to move the device between a reduced size insertion configuration and an expanded implanted configuration. In another use, the area of flexibility may be useful to dampen shock applied to the implant. A method is also disclosed for making the implants and inserting the implants into an intervertebral disc space to promote interbody fusion.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a malleable bone putty and a flowable pastel composition for application to a bone defect site to promote new bone growth at the site which comprises a new bone growth inducing compound of partially demineralized lyophilized allograft bone material having a residual calcium content ranging from 4 to 8% dry weight. The bone powder has a particle size ranging from about 100 to about 800 microns and is mixed in a high molecular weight hydrogel carrier containing a sodium phosphate saline buffer, the hydrogel component of the carrier ranging from about 1.00 to 50% of the composition and having a molecular weight of about at least 700,000 Daltons. The composition has a pH between 6.8-7.4 contains about 25% to about 35% bone powder and can be additionally provided with BMP's.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue grafting material that includes a first tissue element harvested from an individual, a carrier, and a therapeutic substance contained in the carrier. The carrier and therapeutic substance are incorporated into the first tissue element and the first tissue element, carrier, and therapeutic substance form a unitary implant.

Abstract: An osteogenic osteoimplant in the form of a flexible sheet comprising a coherent mass of bone-derived particles, the osteoimplant having a void volume not greater than about 32% and a method of making an osteogenic osteoimplant having not greater than about 32% void volume, the method comprising: providing a coherent mass of bone-derived particles; and, mechanically shaping the coherent mass of bone-derived particles to form an osteogenic osteoimplant in the form of a flexible sheet.

Abstract: A method of tissue grafting. Tissue elements are obtained from at least one human body and are enclosed within a retaining structure. The tissue elements with the retaining structure are shaped to form a grafting material having a predetermined configuration. The grafting material is then implanted into a patient.

Abstract: A cortical bone implant is formed of two or more planks of bone which are connected with one or more offset pins. The pins may be right circular cylinders inserted into a corresponding offset bore which offset bends the inserted pin. The bending creates compression and tensile loads in the pin which loads creates friction compression forces on the planks connecting them to the pins by friction. The pins may have different shapes to form the offsets and different configurations for friction attachment to the planks. The implants may be formed of flat or L-shaped planks or bones formed into other shapes including interlocking arrangements. Processes and fixtures are disclosed for forming the pins, planks and implants. Various embodiments of the pins, planks, implants and processes are disclosed.

Abstract: Selectively demineralized bone-derived implants are provided. In one embodiment, a bone sheet for implantation includes a demineralized field surrounding mineralized regions. In another embodiment, a bone defect filler includes a demineralized cancellous bone section in a first geometry. The first geometry is compressible and dryable to a second geometry smaller than the first geometry, and the second geometry is expandable and rehydratable to a third geometry larger than the second geometry.

Abstract: An osteoimplant comprises a solid aggregate of bone derived elements, adjacent bone-derived elements being bonded to each other through chemical linkages between their adjacent surface-exposed collagen. Various other components can be incorporated into the bone implant material such as bone-growth inducing substances.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device and methods for providing implants, cells or tissues, for example for grafts or in vitro research cultures, of tissue engineering or cellular therapy. The invention is particularly adapted to produce, in sufficient amount, specific cell populations with high proliferation and/or differentiation potential, adapted for use in tissue engineering, in repair surgery or therapy, particularly for humans. The invention also concerns a method for preparing such a device and its uses, in particular for treating tissue loss, and kits, tranplants, tissues or biological preparations.

Abstract: An implant which is particularly suitable for the repair and/or replacement of a skeletal joint, e.g., a vertebral joint, includes a unit of monolithic bone possessing at least one demineralized region exhibiting properties of flexibility and resilience, the demineralized region having diminished or insignificant capacity for promoting new bone growth.

Abstract: An osteogenic osteoimplant in the form of a flexible sheet comprising a coherent mass of bone-derived particles, the osteoimplant having a void volume not greater than about 32% and a method of making an osteogenic osteoimplant having not greater than about 32% void volume, the method comprising: providing a coherent mass of bone-derived particles; and, mechanically shaping the coherent mass of bone-derived particles to form an osteogenic osteoimplant in the form of a flexible sheet.

Abstract: Selectively partially and demineralized bone-derived implants, their methods of preparation and use are provided. In one embodiment, a cranial void filler preferably having a T-shape formed of an upper mineralized cortical bone section and at least a partially demineralized lower section adapted to fill a cranial void is disclosed. In another embodiment, a plate preferably having a dog-bone-shape having mineralized and at least partially demineralized sections is disclosed. In a further embodiment, a unitary cord having a first mineralized section with a plurality of slits to provide flexibility and a second at least partially demineralized section is described. Also disclosed is an implant for laminoplasty having at least a partially demineralized section and a mineralized section. A method of forming an implant of demineralized fibers also is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a tissue implant that includes applying force to the tissue to form the implant which has a predetermined shape. The applied force against the tissue is monitored or controlled during the shaping of the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plugs for filling vacancies in bone tissue. The plugs include a body and at least one end cap that are coupled together and may be formed from bone. The body of the plug may be a sleeve, and the plug may further include an insert configured and dimensioned to be received in the sleeve.

Abstract: An implantable material for deployment in select locations or select tissue for tissue regeneration is disclosed. The implant comprises collagen, ceramics, and or other bio-resorbable materials or additives, where the implant may also be used for therapy delivery. Additionally, the implant may be “matched” to provide the implant with similar physical and/or chemical properties as the host tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-layer membrane comprising a matrix layer predominantly of collagen II and having an open sponge-like texture, and at least one barrier layer having a close, relatively impermeable texture. Such a membrane is particularly suitable for use in guided tissue regeneration, in particular for use in vivo in the reconstruction of bone or cartilage tissue.

Abstract: Selectively demineralized bone-derived implants are provided. In one embodiment, a bone sheet for implantation includes a demineralized field surrounding mineralized regions. In another embodiment, a bone defect filler includes a demineralized cancellous bone section in a first geometry. The first geometry is compressible and dryable to a second geometry smaller than the first geometry, and the second geometry is expandable and rehydratable to a third geometry larger than the second geometry.

Abstract: A system for packaging a bone allograft for use in a future medical procedure in which the bone allograft is stored in a saturated saline solution in an airtight container. The saline solution keeps the allograft hydrated and may be saturated with a combination of calcium, phosphate, or magnesium to inhibit mineral leaching out of the allograft during storage. The container may be deformable to conform to the shape of the allograft material as the container is “shrink-fitted” to the allograft. Optionally, the bone allograft may also be freeze dried prior to placement in the container.

Abstract: The invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a substantially non-immunogenic bone xenograft (X) for implantation into a defect (D) located in a bone portion (10) of a human. The invention further provides methods for preparing a bone xenograft (X) by removing at least a portion of bone from a non-human animal to provide a xenograft (X); washing the xenograft (X) in saline and alcohol; and subjecting the xenograft (X) to at least one of the treatments including exposure to ultraviolet radiation, immersion in alcohol, ozonic, and freeze/thaw cycling. In addition to or in lieu of the above treatments, the methods include a cellular disruption treatment, and digestion of the carbohydrate moieties of the xenograft (X) with a glycosidase followed by treatment for sialylation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of utilizing body tissue by forming an implant that includes body tissue positioned in a cage. The cage is formed of material which expands when exposed to body fluid and the cage is positioned in a patient's body at a location where the cage is exposed to such body fluid so that the cage expands in the patients' body as the cage absorbs body fluid. The cage can be provided with openings extending substantially from a first end to a second end to allow tissue ingrowth. The body tissue can be heated or cooled and then shaped prior to placement in the cage. Also, the cage material can be biodegradable.

Abstract: The disclosure provides implants and methods for bone fusion procedures. In some embodiments, the implants are particularly advantageous for use between opposing vertebral bodies to facilitate stabilization or arthrodesis of an intervertebral joint. The implants includes, at least, a support component that provides structural support during fusion. In a typical embodiment, the implants also include a growth component. A growth component provides an environment conductive to new bone growth between the bones being fused. Several unique configuration to enhance fusion, instruments for insertion and methods for insertion use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A percutaneous tissue removal apparatus having a flexible drill shaft, a cutting tip mounted on the shaft a power source for transmitting motion to the shaft to move the cutting tip against tissue and a suction source for removing tissue fragments along the shaft to a location outside the tissue mass while cutting. The apparatus may include a container for collecting one or more selected components of the harvested tissue fragments for implantation of the fragments preferably into the body of the patient from whom they were removed. Where the tissue to be cut is bone, a cutting tip is preferably made of a polymeric material which is softer than the cortical portion of the bone, although the cutting tip may be made of a ceramic or a composite material. A second flexible shaft may be provided either within or about the flexible drill shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fiber, preferably bone fiber, having a textured surface, which acts as an effective binding substrate for bone-forming cells and for the induction or promotion of new bone growth by bone-forming cells, which bind to the fiber. Methods of using the bone fibers to induce or promote new bone growth and bone material compositions comprising the bone fibers are also described. The invention further relates to a substrate cutter device and cutter, which are effective in producing substrate fibers, such as bone fibers.

Abstract: A method of augmenting an intervertebral disc by injecting particles of collagen-based material into the disc. The particles may be dehydrated before implantation, and rehydrated after implantation, or they may be implanted in a “wet” state—such as a slurry or gel. Radiocontrast materials may be included to enhance imaging of the injected material. Other additives may include analgesics, antibiotics, proteoglycans, growth factors, and/or other cells effective to promote healing and/or proper disc function.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the culture of cells, and particularly chondrocytes for purpose of tissue replacement. The cells are cultured on polymer constructs. Integren expression is used as a measure of chondrocyte viability. Chondrocytes are obtained from the knee, nose and ankle cartilage. Mechanical strain is used to propagate chondrocytes, chitosan and arabinogalactan-chitosan are used as scaffolds. Progenitor, pluripotential, stem and mesenchymal cells are operative in this invention.

Abstract: The Invention relates to a medicament and method of treating cartilage defect. The invention also relates to an implant for treating cartilage defect.

Abstract: A meniscal allograft with a bone block having a trapezoidal shape in cross-section and a technique for using a meniscus allograft having a trapezoidal shaped bone block are disclosed. A groove is formed initially in the bone using drill bits. Dilators are used to increase the size of the drilled groove. The orthogonal corner at the bottom of the groove is shaped using a rasp. A smooth dilator compacts the bone in the acute angle at the bottom of the groove opposite the orthogonal corner to create the final trapezoid shape of the bone groove. A meniscal allograft having a bone block of corresponding trapezoidal shape is prepared using a workstation and three cutting jigs to make three corresponding cuts. The trapezoidal bone block of the meniscal allograft is then installed within the bone groove.

Abstract: An implantable material for deployment in select locations or select tissue for tissue regeneration is disclosed. The implant comprises collagen, ceramics, and or other bio-resorbable materials or additives, where the implant may also be used for therapy delivery. Additionally, the implant may be “matched” to provide the implant with similar physical and/or chemical properties as the host tissue.

Abstract: There is provided an admixture comprising morsellised bone particles and particles of water-soluble biodegradable glass. The particle size distribution and diameter range is pre-selected to produce an aggregate. Addition of the glass enables an admixture having aggregate characteristics and thus increased shear strength to be produced whilst simultaneously enabling bone regeneration to occur within the treated defect. The admixture is therefore useful in the repair of bone defects, especially primary joint arthroplasties, such as hip replacement operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for cultivating cartilage cells, methods for redifferentiating dedifferentiated cartilage cells, as well as cartilage transplants.

Abstract: An improved segmentally demineralized bone implant, useful inter alia as a replacement ligament or tendon possesses at least one demineralized, flexible segment exhibiting reduced osteoinductive properties. The reduction in osteoinductive properties results in the suppression, inhibition or delay of new bone ingrowth in, and consequently remineralizing of, the demineralized segment thereby allowing the segment to retain or prolong its flexible character following insertion of the implant in the body.

Abstract: A tissue equivalent for transplantation having a three-dimensional structure which is cultured in vitro, contains cells to be transplanted and which can be transplanted into a living body after the culture, characterized by including a scaffold layer mainly culturing a scaffold constituting the three-dimensional structure and a cell layer which is localized at least in a part of the surface of the tissue equivalent for transplantation continuously with the scaffold layer and which contains the cells to be transplanted or extra cellular matrix in a larger amount than the scaffold layer. This tissue equivalent is appropriately employed as a tissue equivalent for transplantation in a relatively large size. This tissue equivalent enables realization of prompt fixation to the neighborhood of the transplanted tissue and prevention of falling off.

Abstract: A bone transplant consists of a transplant body which is curved in a channel shape and which consists of bone material of human or animal origin.

Abstract: Arthroplasty devices having improved bone in growth to provide a more secure connection within the body. Different embodiments disclosed include devices having threaded intramedullary components, devices configured to receive bone growth promoting substances, devices with resorbable components, and devices configured to reduce shear stress.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to methods and compositions for allogeneic transplantation. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of alloreactive natural killer cells in order to enhance the efficacy and/or safety of allogeneic grafts in human subjects. The invention allows to increase the engraftment of an allogeneic grafts, even in myelo-reductive conditioning, to protect against GVHD and/or to eradicate malignant cells. The invention is particularly suited in allogeneic hematopoietic transplantations, particularly bone marrow transplantations.

Abstract: An implant for deployment in select locations or select tissue for regeneration of tissue is disclosed. The implant comprising collagen and or other bio-resorbable materials, where the implant may also be used for therapy delivery. Additionally, the implant may be “matched” to provide the implant with similar physical and/or chemical properties as the host tissue.

Abstract: The composition as described serves for in vivo cartilage repair. It basically consists of a naturally derived osteoinductive and/or chondroinductive mixture of factors (e.g. derived from bone) or of a synthetic mimic of such a mixture combined with a nanosphere delivery system. A preferred mixture of factors is the combination of factors isolated from bone, known as BP and described by Poser and Benedict (WO 95/13767). The nanosphere delivery system consists of nanospheres defined as polymer particles of less than 1000 nm in diameter (whereby the majority of particles preferably ranges between 200-400 nm) in which nanospheres the combination of factors is encapsulated. The nano-spheres are loaded with the mixture of factors in a weight ratio of 0.001 to 17% (w/w), preferably of 1 to 4% (w/w) and have a release profile with an initial burst of 10 to 20% of the total load over the first 24 hours and a long time release of at least 0.1 per day during at least seven following days.

Abstract: Compositions, methods of production and use, and kits for an osteochondral graft involving both articular cartilage and underlying bone are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a plasticized bone and/or soft tissue product that does not require special conditions of storage, for example refrigeration or freezing, exhibits materials properties that approximate those properties present in natural tissue, is not brittle, does not necessitate rehydration prior to clinical implantation and is not a potential source for disease transmission. Replacement of the chemical plasticizers by water prior to implantation is not required and thus, the plasticized bone or soft tissue product can be placed directly into an implant site without significant preparation in the operating room.

Abstract: Selectively demineralized bone-derived implants are provided. In one embodiment, a bone sheet for implantation includes a demineralized field surrounding mineralized regions. In another embodiment, a bone defect filler includes a demineralized cancellous bone section in a first geometry. The first geometry is compressible and dryable to a second geometry smaller than the first geometry, and the second geometry is expandable and rehydratable to a third geometry larger than the second geometry.

Abstract: An allogenic intervertebral implant for fusing vertebrae is disclosed. The implant is a piece of allogenic bone conforming in size and shape with a portion of an end plate of a vertebra. The implant has a wedge-shaped profile to restore disc height and the natural curvature of the spine. The top and bottom surfaces of the implant have a plurality of teeth to resist expulsion and provide initial stability. The implant according to the present invention provides initial stability need for fusion without stress shielding.