Abstract: The invention relates to the repair of spinal annular defects. An appartatus comprises a scaffold comprised of a biodurable, resiliently compressible, elastomeric reticulated composition to obliterate spinal/vertabral connective tissue defects, to obliterate spinal-annular nuclear tissue defects, and for spinal annulo-nucleoplasty regeneration. The apparatus comprises an at least partially cylindrical member.

Abstract: In an improved method for surgically treating a sleep-related breathing disorder, comprising hyoid distruction/expansion and hyo-mandibular suspension, an implant comprises a polypropylene and/or reticulated elastomeric biostable polyurethane matrix. The matrix is positioned between two or more segments of the distructed hyoid bone.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent delivery implant for implantation into a patient's body comprises a resilient or flexible, at least partially hydrophobic reticulated elastomeric support scaffold; and a hydrophilic coating arranged on said scaffold, wherein said coating contains one or more therapeutic agents for release within the patient. Optionally the coating can contain microspheres or enzymes. In a preferred embodiment, the scaffold comprises a hydrophobic polyurethane, the coating comprises a hydrophilic polyurethane, and the implant has a hemispherical, bullet, football, cylindrical, spherical, or irregular shape. The implant can be delivered through a rigid or flexible delivery instrument that deploys the implant at a desirable site, whereby the implant expands to a size and shape substantially similar to its size and shape before insertion.

Abstract: An apparatus for the repair of craniomaxillofacial bony defects is described comprising a biocompatible scaffolding with an insert segment positioned at the proximal surface of the bone defect and stabilized with support means, coupled with bone replacement material applied distal to the scaffolding insert segment and generally filling the defect. Most preferably, the bone replacement material is a low temperature-hardening, gradually resorbable hydroxyapatite forming cement. Also taught are surgical methods for the repair of craniomaxillofacial bony defects employing the inventive scaffolding and scaffolding/bone replacement material composite; and kits including the scaffolding and the bone replacement material and/or starting materials for their preparation.