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: Fibre-reinforced material that substitutes for cartilage-like tissue, consisting of a hydrophilic, relatively elastic fibre structure and a matrix of polymerised hydrogel. The fibre/matrix bonding is increased by saturating the fibre in the monomer solution before polymerisation of the hydrogel. The fibre preferably consists of a material based on polyurethane. More particularly, this material contains 10-70% (m/m) fibres (based on the dry matter) and 1-5% (m/m) (based on the dry matter) of a substance that contains ionised groups has been added to said hydrogel.