Abstract: A fixing device to connect a bone to a linking member is characterized in that it includes a connecting part to be connected to said linking member, a conformable elongate ligature cooperating with the bone suitable for securing the connecting part to the bone, and an adjustable locking means fastened to the connecting part to maintain the ligature in a state which allows a controlled relative mobility between the bone and the connecting part. The ligature applying a portion of the outer surface of the connecting part against a portion of the bone.

Abstract: A fixing device to connect a bone to a linking member (18) is characterized in that it comprises; —a connecting part (12, 20, 22) to be connected to said linking member (18), having an outer face; —a conformable elongate ligature (14) cooperating with said bone suitable for securing said connecting part to said bone; said ligature applying a portion of the outer surface of the connecting part against a portion of said bone; and—adjustable locking means (46) fastened to said connecting part (12) to maintain said ligature in a state which allows a controlled relative mobility between said bone and said connecting part (12).

Abstract: A fixing device to connect a bone to a linking member (18) is characterized in that it comprises; —a connecting part (12, 20, 22) to be connected to said linking member (18), having an outer face; —a conformable elongate ligature (14) cooperating with said bone suitable for securing said connecting part to said bone; said ligature applying a portion of the outer surface of the connecting part against a portion of said bone; and—adjustable locking means (46) fastened to said connecting part (12) to maintain said ligature in a state which allows a controlled relative mobility between said bone and said connecting part (12).

Abstract: The present invention describes methods for treating a degenerative intervertebral disc disorder comprising implanting a disc stabilization device into a subject and administering at least one therapeutic agent which promotes healing of the disc to the subject. The invention also includes methods of promoting healing of damaged or degenerated intervertebral discs comprising decreasing the load of the disc through a disc stabilization device and inhibiting the inflammatory process. Also described are hydrogels for use in combination with extradiscal stabilization devices, as intradiscal stabilization devices, as drug carriers, and as combinations thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for massaging the human body, for use in particular in performing an assess/press/pull type massage, includes a working head (1) open in its lower part and containing elements for forming a skin fold. The elements forming a skin fold comprise two pinching skin-pinching jaws (11, 12) pivoting about an axis (13) parallel to the plane of the skin and at the ends of which are fixed massaging fingers (11b, 12b), the apparatus comprising elements for pivoting the two jaws (11, 12) towards each other and inversely. Additionally, the elements forming a skin fold advantageously comprise a suction cup (19) mounted mobile between the two jaws (11, 12), connected to a vacuum source by a flexible conduit (27) and elements (22, 24, 25) for moving the suction cup (19) vertically.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for treating degeneration of a damaged intervertebral disk disposed between two vertebrae. The treatment assembly includes cells that may be analogous to those of the intervertebral disk, and that are suitable for implanting in said disk; and an intervertebral implant. The intervertebral implant includes an intervertebral spacer for placing between said vertebrae, and a fastener device for fastening said spacer on said vertebrae.

Abstract: The invention concerns a biologically active material essentially comprising at least an insolubilized dextran derivative of general formula DMCaBbSUcSd and at least a growth factor having an activity on osteoarticular, dental and/or maxillofacial tissues, and the method for preparing same. The invention also concerns the uses of said biomaterial for preparing a repair or filing material, such as an implant, for osteoarticular, dental or maxillofacial applications and for preparing an orthopaedic, dental or maxillofacial prosthesis, and the prosthesis coated with said biologically active material.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for massaging the human body, for use in particular in performing an assess/press/pull type massage, comprising a working head (1) open in its lower part and containing means for forming a skin fold. The invention is characterised in that the means forming a skin fold comprise two pinching skin-pinching jaws (11, 12) pivoting about an axis (13) parallel to the plane of the skin and at the ends of which are fixed massaging fingers (11b, 12b), said apparatus comprising means for pivoting the two jaws (11, 12) towards each other and inversely. Additionally, the means forming a skin fold advantageously comprise a suction cup (19) mounted mobile between the two jaws (11, 12), connected to a vacuum source by a flexible conduit (27) and means (22, 24, 25) for moving the suction cup (19) vertically.

Abstract: The invention concerns a biologically active material essentially comprising at least an insolubilised dextran derivative of general formula DMCaBbSUcSd and at least a growth factor having an activity on osteoarticular, dental and/or maxillofacial tissues, and the method for preparing same. The invention also concerns the uses of said biomaterial for preparing a repair or filing material, such as an implant, for osteoarticular, dental or maxillofacial applications and for preparing an orthopaedic, dental or maxillofacial prosthesis, and the prosthesis coated with said biologically active material.

Abstract: A three-dimensional solid support for the in vitro cultivation of cells consists essentially of porous polycrystalline aragonite in the form of a cylinder, sphere or plate. The support may be used to successively grow layers of different cells on the support, and is particularly useful for cultivating endothelial cells, fibroblasts and bone marrow cells.