Abstract: A medical device comprising a substantially flexible porous structure. The porous structure comprises a plurality of interlocking units. Each of the plurality of interlocking units comprises a body and at least one arm. The plurality of interlocking units is configured to have space between adjacent interlocking units when the porous structure is in a neutral configuration. The plurality of interlocking units is configured to contact the respective body and arm of adjacent interlocking units when a compressive force is applied to the porous structure, thereby restricting compression of the porous structure. The plurality of interlocking units is configured to contact the respective arms of adjacent interlocking units when an extension force is applied to the porous structure, thereby restricting extension of the porous structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical device (9) comprising a porous structure (1), wherein a configuration of the porous structure (1) varies in dependence on a load applied to the porous structure (1), such that the porous structure (1) has a first configuration when the load is of a first magnitude, and has a second configuration when the load is of a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude. The porous structure (1) comprises a first surface portion (2) and a second surface portion (3). The first surface portion (2) is disengaged from the second surface portion (3) when the porous structure (1) has the first configuration, and is engaged with the second surface (3) portion when the porous structure (1) has the second configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the surface treatment of a biologically inert titanium implant to be placed in contact with a bone of the human body, which involves allowing body fluids, such as the inorganic portion of human blood plasma, to naturally deposit, onto the titanium implant, a calcium phosphate film having the formula Ca5(PO4)3(OH), in the form of hydroxyapatite, with a view to rendering the biologically inert titanium biologically active so as to enable the bone to chemically bond to the implant, thus promoting osseointegration, the method including an operation that involves submerging the titanium in a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution, wherein said submersion causes the formation of a film of hydrated titanium oxides (HTiO3—) on the titanium, which in turn causes hydroxyl groups (TiOH) to appear, thus enabling the deposition of said calcium phosphate film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the surface treatment of a biologically inert titanium implant to be placed in contact with a bone of the human body, which involves allowing body fluids, such as the inorganic portion of human blood plasma, to naturally deposit, onto the titanium implant, a calcium phosphate film having the formula Ca5(PO4)3(OH), in the form of hydroxyapatite, with a view to rendering the biologically inert titanium biologically active so as to enable the bone to chemically bond to the implant, thus promoting osseointegration, the method including an operation that involves submerging the titanium in a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution, wherein said submersion causes the formation of a film of hydrated titanium oxides (HTiO3—) on the titanium, which in turn causes hydroxyl groups (TiOH) to appear, thus enabling the deposition of said calcium phosphate film.