Abstract: A tissue processing system includes a series of blades arranged in parallel to form a tissue processor. The blades may be adjusted to create a spaced between each blade in the range of 250-1000 microns. A slicer is included to remove a donor tissue to be processed by the processor. The processor is rotatable 90 degrees so as to create uniform micrografts of tissue for transplanting to a recipient site. An extractor is included to remove tissue particles from the processor after they have been cut into an appropriate size. A cutting block may be provided to ensure uniform thickness of cuts of the donor tissue.

Abstract: A tissue harvesting method and device for obtaining micrograft tissue particles within the size range of 50-1500 microns, and more preferably 500-1000 microns, and most preferably 600 microns. The particles may be processed after a piece of donor tissue has been excised from the donor site, or processed into the desired size directly at the donor site, and thereafter excised. Cutters having blades or cutting edges spaced in the range of 50-1500 microns are utilized to obtain particles within the desired size range. An elastomer is positioned between the cutting edges to push the excised particles out of the blades for ease of use.

Abstract: A dermal tissue transplantation system combining a tissue particle harvester, a tissue particle collector, and a chambered dressing. The system provides a harvester capable of harvesting tissue from a donor site on the order of about 100 microns. The integrated tissue particle collector provides a means for collecting the harvested tissue for in situ cultivation in a chambered dressing at the wound site.

Abstract: Orthopedic implants comprising components of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys having surfaces coated with oxidized zirconium contacting other surface-coated oxidized zirconium are disclosed. Such implants provide low friction, highly wear resistant coatings especially useful in artificial joints, such as hip joints, knee joints, elbows, etc., but also useful in non-articulating implant devices such as bone plates, bone screws, etc.

Abstract: A prosthetic device having at least part of its surface comprising a diffusion-hardened, in-situ formed oxidation or nitridation layer and with at least another part of its surface comprising a coating of bioceramic, preferably hydroxyapatite. The bone in-growth and on-growth promoting bioceramic further works synergistically with the diffusion-hardened surface in realizing a longer service life prosthetic.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods, devices, and systems for preventing complications, including for example, infection associated with any percutaneous or external fixation of bones by placing a pharmacological sleeve over an external fixation element. The pharmacological sleeve may be comprised of a polymer sleeve having one or more internal splines along at least part of the inner surface of the sleeve. The sleeve may be suffused or coated on any or all surfaces with a pharmacological coating which allows accumulation of drugs in the tissue surrounding the external fixation element, thereby reducing potential complications.

Abstract: Orthopedic implants comprising components of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys having surfaces coated with oxidized zirconium contacting other surface-coated oxidized zirconium are disclosed. Such implants provide low friction, highly wear resistant coatings especially useful in artificial joints, such as hip joints, knee joints, elbows, etc., but also useful in non-articulating implant devices such as bone plates, bone screws, etc.