Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis includes a bone graft implant member dimensioned for insertion within an intervertebral space defined between adjacent vertebrae and having at least first and second longitudinal sections with respective first and second cross-sectional dimensions. The first cross-sectional dimension of the first implant section is greater than the second cross-section dimension of the second implant section to define a stepped region having a retaining surface. Consequently, upon insertion of the implant member within a generally correspondingly dimensioned receiving bed formed within the adjacent vertebrae, the retaining surface facilitates securement therewithin by corresponding engagement with surfaces of the receiving bed. A method for fusion of adjacent vertebrae utilizing the prosthesis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A load-bearing osteoimplant, method of making the osteoimplant and method for repairing bone using the osteoimplant are provided. The osteoimplant comprises a shaped, compressed composition of bone particles. The osteoimplant possesses a bulk density of greater than about 0.7 g/cm3 and a wet compressive strength of at least about 3 MPa.

Abstract: The invention relates to an osteoimplant fabricated from a solid aggregate of bone derived elements possessing chemical linkages between their adjacent surface-exposed collagen. Also described are various other components which can be incorporated into the bone implant material such as bone-growth inducing substances; and a method of manufacture.

Abstract: A ramp-shaped intervertebral implant is disclosed. The implant has a body having a first end, a second end, a top surface and a bottom surface. At least one of the top and bottom surfaces is tapered and converges towards the second end of the body. An opening extends through the body and has one end opening onto the top surface of the implant and the other end opening onto the bottom surface of the implant. The implant can be formed from the diaphysis or metaphysis of a long bone, wherein the intramedullary canal of the long bone defines the opening. Alternately, the implant can be made from any biocompatible material having the requisite strength requirement.

Abstract: Monolithic bone intended for implantation is treated in order to conserve its mechanical strength during lyophilization and subsequent packaging and to maintain the strength of the bone during the storage period preceding the rehydration and implantation of the bone. The method of treatment comprises contacting the bone with a mechanical strength-conserving amount of at least one biocompatible mechanical strength-conserving agent, the agent being a liquid organic material which is capable of penetrating and remaining in the bone during its lyophilization, packaging and storage, lyophilizing the bone containing the mechanical strength-conserving agent and packaging the lyophilized bone.

Abstract: The invention relates to an osteoimplant fabricated from a solid aggregate of bone derived elements possessing chemical linkages between their adjacent surface-exposed collagen. Also described are various other components which can be incorporated into the bone implant material such as bone-growth inducing substances; and a method of manufacture.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis includes a bone graft implant member dimensioned for insertion within an intervertebral space defined between adjacent vertebrae and having at least first and second longitudinal sections with respective first and second cross-sectional dimensions. The first cross-sectional dimension of the first implant section is greater than the second cross-section dimension of the second implant section to define a stepped region having a retaining surface. Consequently, upon insertion of the implant member within a generally correspondingly dimensioned receiving bed formed within the adjacent vertebrae, the retaining surface facilitates securement therewithin by corresponding engagement with surfaces of the receiving bed. a method for fusion of adjacent vertebrae utilizing the prosthesis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for delivering a biologically active agent to a host. The composition comprises a product including a biologically active agent encapsulated in a matrix comprising a polyetherester copolymer, such as a polyethylene glycol terephthalate/polybutylene terephthalate copolymer. The polyetherester copolymer protects the biologically active agent (including proteins, peptides, and small drug molecules) from degradation or denaturation, and therefore such copolymers may be employed in a variety of drug delivery systems and vaccines.

Abstract: A device is provided for cutting dowels from a bone mass which is easily disassembled for cleaning and sterilization. The dowel cutter includes an axial mounting member having a proximal end portion configured for engagement with a drill chuck and a distal end portion configured to receive a cylindrical cutting blade, an elongated supporting shaft having a distal end portion configured to support a drill guide, and a securement mechanism formed integral with the mounting member for releasably maintaining the relative orientation of the supporting shaft and the axial mounting member during utilization.

Abstract: A bone-derived implant is provided which is made up of one or more layers of fully mineralized or partially demineralized cortical bone and, optionally, one or more layers of some other material. The layers constituting the implant are assembled into a unitary structure to provide an implant exhibiting good overall load-supporting properties.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis includes a bone graft implant member dimensioned for insertion within an intervertebral space defined between adjacent vertebrae and having at least first and second longitudinal sections with respective first and second cross-sectional dimensions. The first cross-sectional dimension of the first implant section is greater than the second cross-section dimension of the second implant section to define a stepped region having a retaining surface. Consequently, upon insertion of the implant member within a generally correspondingly dimensioned receiving bed formed within the adjacent vertebrae, the retaining surface facilitates securement therewithin by corresponding engagement with surfaces of the receiving bed. A method for fusion of adjacent vertebrae utilizing the prosthesis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure flow system and method for its use are provided for contacting the interior of a fluid permeable, e.g., porous, workpiece. The system includes a fluid pressure chamber having an inlet port and an opening formed in one of the chamber walls. An adjustable seal capable of providing a fluid-tight seal about the exterior of a workpiece having a non-uniform surface is positioned within the opening. Fluid under pressure is supplied to the pressure chamber to force fluid to flow through the internal matrix of the workpiece. In a preferred embodiment, the workpiece is a bone or a section thereof, and the fluid is forced to flow from the endosteal portion of bone to the periosteal portion of bone through the vasculature and porous structure of the bone to remove blood, bone marrow and/or other non-bone constituent(s) from the bone.

Abstract: A process for producing spherical, non-porous hydroxyapatite particles having a size which does not exceed 250 microns and having a density of at least 3.00 g/cc. The process comprises agglomerating in the presence of water as the only additive hydoxyapatite powder feedstock having a purity of at least 97%, and having metallic impurities which do not exceed 500 ppm, to form hydroxyapatite particles having a size which does not exceed 350 microns. The particles are then dried and then sintered at a temperature from about 1,100.degree. C. to about 1,200.degree. C. to provide spherical, non-porous hydoxyapatite particles which do not exceed 250 microns and having a density of at least 3.00 g/cc. Such particles have a variety of medical uses, including bone replacement, implant coatings, and dental applications such as alveolar ridge augmentation, root extraction site fillings, restoration of periodontal osseous lesions, and soft tissue augmentations.

Abstract: A surgical implant containing a resorbable radiopaque marker enables the position and/or orientation of the implant to be readily determined by x-ray or other radiographic technique following its surgical implantation in the body.

Abstract: A device is provided for cutting dowels from a bone mass which is easily disassembled for cleaning and sterilization. The dowel cutter includes an axial mounting member having a proximal end portion configured for engagement with a drill chuck and a distal end portion configured to receive a cylindrical cutting blade, an elongated supporting shaft having a distal end portion configured to support a drill guide, and a securement mechanism formed integral with the mounting member for releasably maintaining the relative orientation of the supporting shaft and the axial mounting member during utilization.

Abstract: Fibrous connective tissue for surgical implantation is made substantially antigen-free by contact with one or more extraction agents. Solutions or mixtures of molecules having bipolar regions act as antigen removing permeation enhancers. Cationic, anionic, non-ionic or amphoteric surfactants are suitable bipolar permeation enhancers. One or more extraction agents can be combined to form extraction mixtures.

Abstract: A milling apparatus is disclosed which includes a milling machine having a milling cutter which is sealingly isolated from the milling machine within an enclosed work area, a support fixture disposed within the enclosed work area for supporting a work piece, and a mechanism for moving the milling cutter along a predetermined path relative to the work piece. Preferably, the milling apparatus is employed to cut bone into small fragments for subsequent utilization, and the sealed isolation of the milling cutter inhibits cross-contamination between differing work pieces.

Abstract: A method of preparing bone for transplantation in which the internal matrix of the bone is contacted with an atmosphere at less than ambient pressure. The method may additionally, include a further step in which the bone is maintained in contact with a decontaminating agent or a detergent during the period of contact with the atmosphere.

Abstract: Demineralized bone particles having a median length to median thickness ratio of at least about 10:1 are incorporated in an osteogenic composition useful for repairing bone defects.