Abstract: Compositions and methods for repairing a ruptured connective tissue are disclosed. The composition may include a first biocompatible material to provide a scaffold for connective tissue cell growth and tissue repair. This first biocompatible material may withstand a tensile load of up to 250 N. The composition may also include a second biocompatible material including at least one bioactive agent that can stimulate connective tissue cell growth and tissue repair. The method may include positioning a first end of the first biocompatible material adjacent a first end of a ruptured connective tissue, positioning a second end of the first biocompatible material adjacent a second end of the ruptured connective tissue, and anchoring the first biocompatible material to the first and second tendon ends. The method may alternatively comprise or further include positioning a second biocompatible material between the first and second ends of the ruptured connective tissue.

Abstract: For the repair of a cartilage defect in a human or animal patient use is made of an implant comprising an implant body including a natural cartilage matrix and being coated with cells having a chondrogenic potential. These cells are produced by in vitro cell proliferation starting from chondrocytes isolated from a cartilage biopsy. The chondrocytes which are de-differentiated during cell proliferation are re-differentiated during tissue culturing and are in particular suitable for producing and maintaining the cartilage matrix of the implant body. The cells adhering to the surface of the implant body are preferably also chondrocytes being de-differentiated by cell proliferation, but not re-differentiated, and are therefore particularly suitable for integrating the implant in the defect. Due to the cells adhering to the surface of the implant body, the implant is successfully integrated in the viable tissue surrounding the defect.

Abstract: A method for purifying bone-derived osteoinductive proteins including a demineralization process, a protein extraction process, a high molecular weight ultrafiltration process, a low molecular weight ultrafiltration process, and a recover process. The high and low ultrafiltration processes preferably select proteins having a nominal molecular weight between approximately 8 kilodaltons and approximately 100 kilodaltons. Processes of the present invention may be used to recover osteoinductive proteins from bone demineralization waste streams.

Abstract: An instrument for determining the proper orientation for repairing a defect site on a tissue surface generally comprises a shaft, a plurality of probes operatively coupled to the shaft, and at least one indicator operatively coupled to the plurality of probes. The probes are configured to extend beyond a first end of the shaft and are movable relative the shaft. The at least one indicator is configured to display the displacements of the probes relative to the first end so that the displacements of the probes may be compared. A method of using the instrument when repairing a defect on a tissue surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A biocompatible synthetic bone growth composition comprising a fibrillar collagen component and a calcium phosphate component. The composition is formed into particles, and then formed into a unitary article that may be provided at the site of a skeletal defect. An osteoinductive component may be further added, either before or after forming the unitary article. The composition may be formulated as a paste or putty and facilitates bone growth and/or repair.

Abstract: A composition for the induction of bone growth is disclosed. The composition includes a substrate, bone growth protein, and sources of calcium and phosphate. The composition is acidic which promotes high activity of the bone growth protein. The calcium and phosphate sources can be provided as an acidic calcium phosphate salt. Also disclosed are methods of the making the composition and methods of using it.

Abstract: A bone void filler composition is described containing an acidic mineral component that contains a calcium source and a phosphate source or a lower alkyl carboxylate source; an osteoinductive component that contains demineralized bone; and a three-dimensional, osteoconductive biologically acceptable carrier component that contains a collagenous material. The bone void filler composition may be in the form of a sponge or in the form of a paste or putty used to form a sponge or is obtained from particulated sponge, or that forms after a sponge is rehydrated. A pre-mixed bone void filler composition is described containing the acidic mineral component or the lower alkyl carboxylate source; the osteoinductive component; and a biologically acceptable carrier component that contains a liquid carrier. Methods of making and using the compositions are also described. The ratio of demineralized bone component to acidic mineral component may range from about 0.5:1 to about 80:1.

Abstract: Medical devices for cutting and suturing biological tissue generally include a shaft and first and second guide members each including a first portion coupled to the shaft at a first location and a second portion coupled to the shaft at a second location. The first portions are movable along the shaft relative to the second portions, and the first and second guide members define an arcuate profile and are configured to flex in response to such movement. When used to cut tissue, the medical device may further include a blade positioned between the first and second guide members. When used to suture tissue, one or more suture guides may be provided on the first guide member for directing a suture needle through tissue proximate the first guide member. Methods of repairing and replacing a meniscus using the medical devices are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition including isolated small living tissue particles, a method of making the tissue particles, and a method of using the composition to ameliorate a tissue defect. The tissue particles are composed of cells and their associated extracellular molecules and are sized, in certain embodiments, to be smaller than about 1 mm. Another aspect of the inventive tissue particles is the large percentage of viable cells. In certain embodiments, the tissue particles are made from cartilage and the composition may also contain additives such as adhesives, solutions, and bioactive agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for an implantable putty material for delivery of active compounds to a patient. More specifically, the present invention provides a material having a pH of between about 3 and 6 and possessing putty-like physical properties, wherein the composition of the material includes collagen and water. The present invention also provides a method for using the implantable putty material.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition including isolated small living tissue particles, a method of making the tissue particles, and a method of using the composition to ameliorate a tissue defect. The tissue particles are composed of cells and their associated extracellular molecules and are sized, in certain embodiments, to be smaller than about 1 mm. Another aspect of the inventive tissue particles is the large percentage of viable cells. In certain embodiments, the tissue particles are made from cartilage and the composition may also contain additives such as adhesives, solutions, and bioactive agents.

Abstract: Provided herein are preparations for repairing enchondral or osteochondral defects (4) by implantation, said preparations comprising a cartilage element (A) and optionally a bone element (B) which is connected to the cartilage element (A). The cartilage element (A) can contain cells during the implantation or is populated after the implantation with cells migrating from surrounding tissue. The aim is to better equip the cartilage element (A) of one such preparation for integration into the surrounding tissue and/or for an easy-to-achieve, primary stability. To this end, said cartilage element is not homogeneously embodied but has different characteristics in a peripheral and/or basal region (2, 3) to those in a central region (3). Said differing characteristics (A) relate to the structure and/or composition of the matrix used and/or to the cells established in the matrix, and are not used to prevent the migration of cells into the preparation from the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition including isolated small living tissue particles, a method of making the tissue particles, and a method of using the composition to ameliorate a tissue defect. The tissue particles are composed of cells and their associated extracellular molecules and are sized, in certain embodiments, to be smaller than about 1 mm. Another aspect of the inventive tissue particles is the large percentage of viable cells. In certain embodiments, the tissue particles are made from cartilage and the composition may also contain additives such as adhesives, solutions, and bioactive agents.

Abstract: Medical devices for cutting and suturing biological tissue generally include a shaft and first and second guide members each including a first portion coupled to the shaft at a first location and a second portion coupled to the shaft at a second location. The first portions are movable along the shaft relative to the second portions, and the first and second guide members define an arcuate profile and are configured to flex in response to such movement. When used to cut tissue, the medical device may further include a blade positioned between the first and second guide members. When used to suture tissue, one or more suture guides may be provided on the first guide member for directing a suture needle through tissue proximate the first guide member. Methods of repairing and replacing a meniscus using the medical devices are also provided.

Abstract: A bone void filler composition is described containing an acidic mineral component that contains a calcium source and a phosphate source or a lower alkyl carboxylate source; an osteoinductive component that contains demineralized bone; and a three-dimensional, osteoconductive biologically acceptable carrier component that contains a collagenous material. The bone void filler composition may be in the form of a sponge or in the form of a paste or putty used to form a sponge or is obtained from particulated sponge, or that forms after a sponge is rehydrated. A pre-mixed bone void filler composition is described containing the acidic mineral component or the lower alkyl carboxylate source; the osteoinductive component; and a biologically acceptable carrier component that contains a liquid carrier. Methods of making and using the compositions are also described. The ratio of demineralized bone component to acidic mineral component may range from about 0.5:1 to about 80:1.

Abstract: The invention relates to preparations which are suitable for repairing enchondral or osteochondral defects (4) by means of implantation, said preparations comprising a cartilage element (A) and optionally a bone element (B) which is connected to the cartilage element (A). The cartilage element (A) can already contain cells during the implantation or is populated after the implantation with cells migrating from surrounding tissue. The aim of the invention is to better equip the cartilage element (A) of one such preparation for integration into the surrounding tissue and/or for an easy-to-achieve, primary stability. To this end, said cartilage element is not homogeneously embodied but has different characteristics in a peripheral and/or basal region (2, 3) to those in a central region (3).

Abstract: The invention provides a composition including isolated small living tissue particles, a method of making the tissue particles, and a method of using the composition to ameliorate a tissue defect. The tissue particles are composed of cells and their associated extracellular molecules and are sized, in certain embodiments, to be smaller than about 1 mm. Another aspect of the inventive tissue particles is the large percentage of viable cells. In certain embodiments, the tissue particles are made from cartilage and the composition may also contain additives such as adhesives, solutions, and bioactive agents.

Abstract: A hydrogel-forming composition is provided that comprises an extracellular matrix protein, hyaluronic acid, and a thermosensitive biocompatible polymer such as methylcellulose. The hydrogels can provide a therapeutic effect; further, the hydrogels may comprise an optional therapeutic agent such as cells or a pharmaceutical composition. The composition may be injected to an area in need of treatment by the therapeutic agent. The composition may form a gel at about 37° C., such that the gel maintains the therapeutic agent in the area of the body in need of such treatment.

Abstract: A hydrogel-forming composition is formed from a protein polymer derivative having a plurality of cross-linkable units depending therefrom, and a non-protein polymer derivative having a plurality of cross-linkable units depending therefrom, said non-protein polymer derivatives having hydrolysable units disposed between the polymer backbone of said derivative and at least some of said cross-linkable units. The use of a combination of protein and non-protein polymers provides for biodegradability of the hydrogel by hydrolysis of the hydrolysable units and/or enzymatic degradation of the proteins, along with mechanical properties such as strength and elasticity.

Abstract: Repairs of cartilage defects or of cartilage/bone defects in human or animal joints with the help of devices including a bone part (1), a cartilage layer (2) and a subchondral bone plate (4) or an imitation of such a plate in the transition region between the cartilage layer (2) and the bone part (1). After implantation, the bone part (4) is resorbed and is replaced by reparative tissue only after being essentially totally resorbed. In a critical phase of the healing process, a mechanically inferior cyst is located in the place of the implanted bone part (1). In order to prevent the cartilage layer (2) from sinking into the cyst space during this critical phase of the healing process the device has a top part (11).