Abstract: The present application relates to a prosthesis comprising a flexible portion (1) and at least one less flexible portion (2), which flexible portion comprises a fibre-reinforced hydrogel. In addition to that, the application relates to a prosthesis consisting of a fibre-reinforced hydrogel, which prosthesis is intended to replace cartilaginous materials. The application further relates to the use of the prosthesis and to a method for manufacturing the prosthesis. The application furthermore relates to a method of preparing the flexible portion for a prosthesis. Finally, the application relates to a fibre material apparently intended for use in the prosthesis.

Abstract: A spinal correction element in a device and method of correcting spondylolistheses in a patient transitions between a first shape and a second shape while having a first portion fixed to a forwardly displaced vertebra and a second portion fixed to an undeformed portion of the spinal column to apply a corrective force bringing a displaced vertebra into alignment with the rest of the spinal column. A shape memory material in the spinal correction element transitions from a flexible martensitic state, in which the spinal correction element matches the shape of the deformity caused by the spondylolistheses, to a rigid austenitic state, in which the spinal correction element has the shape of an expected corrected spine, to apply a corrective force to the vertebral bodies fixed to the spinal correction element, thereby correcting the deformity caused by spondylolistheses.

Abstract: An instrument in particular suitable for being inserted into the cavity within a vertebra, which instrument features a collapsed position and an expanded position, in which collapsed position the instrument can be inserted into the aforesaid cavity through an opening in the vertebral wall, wherein the instrument comprises a first upper elongated contact element and a second lower elongated contact element, and means for moving said elements apart in a direction substantially transversely to their contact surface to a particular end position, in which the elements are locked in position relative to each other.