Abstract: The invention relates to a bioactive settable hydrogel matrix having a pore creating material, which may also carry a therapeutic agent, and methods of using the same, for example, use in promoting internal wound healing, tissue repair, tissue regeneration.

Abstract: Effective methods of treating back pain from an intervertebral disc are provided. The methods of treatment include administering an immediate release analgesic at or near the intervertebral disc; administering a bulking agent or sealing agent within the intervertebral disc; and administering a sustained release analgesic within the intervertebral disc, wherein the sustained release analgesic releases the analgesic over a period of at least one day.

Abstract: An instrument set is provided that has a tapered configuration that facilitates the insertion of the instrument set into a patient.

Abstract: Effective compositions and methods for treating an intervertebral disc are provided. The compositions and methods comprise a bulking agent or sealing agent, the bulking agent or sealing agent adapted to be administered at or within the intervertebral disc, the bulking or sealing agent having a drug depot comprising an effective amount of a therapeutic agent disposed therein, wherein the drug depot is capable of releasing an effective amount of the therapeutic agent over a period of at least one day.

Abstract: In one preferred aspect, a method is provided for forming an opening in bone for the sequential dilation of tissue.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for increasing the stiffness of an intervertebral disc between vertebral bodies. The method includes providing a syringe with a needle approximately in the range of 16 to 25 gauge; providing a material having a first stage with a first viscosity adapted to flow through the needle, the material having a second stage with a second viscosity greater than the first viscosity, the second stage material having a stiffness in a range of 1.0-5.0 MPa; testing the annulus fibrosus of the disc to ensure that the annulus fibrosus has sufficient continuity so as to retain the first flowable stage material when subsequently injected into the disc; inserting the needle into the annulus fibrosus; injecting the first stage material into the disc; and permitting the first stage material to become the second stage material so as to form a load bearing implant in the disc.

Abstract: In one preferred aspect, a method is provided for forming an opening in bone for the sequential dilation of tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biocompatible settable polymer useful in retaining an implant, more evenly distributing any force loading on the implant, and/or promoting tissue growth around and onto the implant.

Abstract: In one preferred aspect, a method is provided for inserting an instrument set having a tapered configuration into a patient. In another preferred aspect, a method is provided for inserting a cannula having an external threaded portion into bone. In yet another preferred aspect, a method is provided for forming and enlarging an opening in bone.

Abstract: In one preferred aspect, a method is provided for forming an opening in bone for the sequential dilation of tissue.

Abstract: In one preferred aspect, a method is provided for forming an opening in bone for the sequential dilation of tissue.

Abstract: Drug depot storage and delivery devices and methods for delivering a drug depot to a site beneath the skin of a patient are provided. In various embodiments, the drug depot storage and delivery device comprises a retaining member that in an open position allows delivery of the drug depot from the drug cartridge to the target tissue site. In various embodiments, the drug depot storage and delivery device comprises a retaining member that in a closed position reduces or prevents delivery of the drug depot from the drug cartridge to the target tissue site.

Abstract: In one preferred aspect, a surgical instrument for insertion into human tissue is provided with a release mechanism that permits one or more components of the surgical instrument to be removably coupled to a handle.

Abstract: Drug depot storage and delivery devices and methods for delivering a drug depot to a site beneath the skin of a patient are provided. In various embodiments, the drug depot storage and delivery device comprises a retaining member that in an open position allows delivery of the drug depot from the drug cartridge to the target tissue site. In various embodiments, the drug depot storage and delivery device comprises a retaining member that in a closed position reduces or prevents delivery of the drug depot from the drug cartridge to the target tissue site.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a composition includes a macromer having a polymeric backbone comprising units with a 1,2-diol or 1,3-diol structure and at least two pendant chains bearing crosslinkable groups, an amphiphilic comonomer, and a crosslinking initiator, wherein the composition has a setting time of less than about 3 minutes. The disclosure is further directed to a kit and a method of making the above-mentioned composition.

Abstract: Effective compositions and methods for treating an intervertebral disc are provided. The compositions and methods comprise a bulking agent or sealing agent, the bulking agent or sealing agent adapted to be administered at or within the intervertebral disc, the bulking or sealing agent having a drug depot comprising an effective amount of a therapeutic agent disposed therein, wherein the drug depot is capable of releasing an effective amount of the therapeutic agent over a period of at least one day.

Abstract: Effective methods of treating back pain from an intervertebral disc are provided. The methods of treatment include administering an immediate release analgesic at or near the intervertebral disc; administering a bulking agent or sealing agent within the intervertebral disc; and administering a sustained release analgesic within the intervertebral disc, wherein the sustained release analgesic releases the analgesic over a period of at least one day.

Abstract: An instrument set is provided that has a tapered configuration that facilitates the insertion of the instrument set into a patient.

Abstract: In one preferred aspect, a method is provided for inserting an instrument set having a tapered configuration into a patient. In another preferred aspect, a method is provided for inserting a cannula having an external threaded portion into bone. In yet another preferred aspect, a method is provided for forming and enlarging an opening in bone.

Abstract: In one preferred aspect, a method is provided for forming an opening in bone for the sequential dilation of tissue.