Abstract: The object of the invention is to make available implant elements or other medical products made of biological material with optimum mechanical and biological properties for a wide group of materials by introduction of a specially designed surface layer onto a strong core, where the surface layer is densified by means of hot isostatic pressing and dimensioned according to the basic fracture mechanics equation so that the thickness of the surface layer is less than c in the equation KIC=Y&sgr; c½, where Klc is the fracture toughness, Y a position and shape factor, c the critical defect size, and &sgr; the permitted stress for the actual material and the chosen design stress.

Abstract: An artificial condyle (2) for use in a human hip joint in which the condyle has a spherical joint shell (1) which has a radius of curvature R1 and a curvature midpoint M1 and in cross-section a circular concave section contour. A functional surface which is convex at least in a region which articulates in the joint shell (1) is designed as a sphere such that when it is inserted in the shell (2), in a longitudinal plane X—X passing through the midpoint M1, a radius RK1=R1 is formed which has a midpoint MK1 coinciding with M1. A transverse plane Y—Y perpendicular to the longitudinal plane X—X has, passing through the midpoint MK1, a radius RK2<RK1 having the midpoint MK2. In the transverse plane Y—Y a stable dimeric joint chain is formed, with which the joint axis path of the midpoints MK1 and MK2 has a joint path radius R=RK1−RK2.

Abstract: A method of using a plaster of Paris as an orthopedic filling material prepared by mixing 15-80% by weight of calcium sulfate half-hydrate and 85-20% by weight of water, an aqueous solution, an aqueous dispersion, or an aqueous suspension; and stirring the resulting mixture into a paste having a viscosity in the range of 20 and 75 poises. The paste is injected into a cavity of a bone or a vertebra to be reinforced. The injected paste becomes hard in the cavity, and eventually will be absorbed by the patient.

Abstract: An orbital implant motility peg capable of being placed in vivo in an orbital implant, wherein the peg is configured to permit rotation about a longitudinal axis of the peg during or following insertion of the peg into the implant, and wherein the peg comprises a means for removable attachment to an artificial eye. The means for removable attachment can comprise a convex surface capable of articulating with a concave surface on the artificial eye. The means for removable attachment can comprise a ball capable of providing a ball of a ball-and-socket articulation. The peg can contain a means for removable attachment that comprises a positive or a negative magnetic pole. The peg can define a cavity capable of containing a stint for attachment to an artificial eye. Also disclosed is a stint capable of being placed in such a peg cavity. The stint can comprise a means for removable attachment to an artificial eye such as a ball of a ball-and-socket articulation.