Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an orthopedic implant that may be used to repair and/or replace focal defects in an individual's articular cartilage. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a unitary orthopedic implant that includes a bone contacting layer and an articulating layer. In exemplary embodiments, the bone contacting layer may have a thickness of between about 1 millimeter and 3 millimeters. In exemplary embodiments, the articulating layer may have a thickness of between about 1 millimeter and 2 millimeters. As a result, the orthopedic implant may have an overall thickness of between about 2 millimeters and about 5 millimeters.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an orthopedic implant that may be used to repair and/or replace focal defects in an individual's articular cartilage. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a unitary orthopedic implant that includes a bone contacting layer and an articulating layer. In exemplary embodiments, the bone contacting layer may have a thickness of between about 1 millimeter and 3 millimeters. In exemplary embodiments, the articulating layer may have a thickness of between about 1 millimeter and 2 millimeters. As a result, the orthopedic implant may have an overall thickness of between about 2 millimeters and about 5 millimeters.

Abstract: The present invention provides hydrogel coated, implantable medical devices and methods of coating hydrogels onto implantable medical devices. In one embodiment, a hydrogel coated medical device is formed by physically treating a surface of the medical device, chemically treating the surface, applying a hydrogel precursor and then crosslinking the hydrogel precursor to form a hydrogel coating on the surface of the medical device. The present invention may be particularly applicable for coating articulating surfaces on implantable medical devices such as artificial joints.

Abstract: A hydrogel bone plate spacer is provided for placement between a bone plate and an underlying bone to form a fracture fixation construct at a bone fracture site. The spacer includes a hydrogel able to absorb fluid from the fracture site.

Abstract: The present invention provides mineralized hydrogels and methods of making and using mineralized hydrogels, by combining a first mixture including a calcium derivative, a second mixture including a phosphate derivative and a hydrogel to form a calcium phosphate dispersion containing the hydrogel. The hydrogel in the calcium phosphate dispersion are crosslinked to form a mineralized hydrogel, in which calcium phosphate minerals are substantially uniformly dispersed within the hydrogel.

Abstract: A prosthetic dental device comprised of a composite material including a polymer material and a ceramic material mixed within the polymer material. In one embodiment, the ceramic fillers are substantially, homogeneously dispersed within the polymer material. In one embodiment, the ceramic material is bonded to the polymer material through a coupling agent. In addition, the prosthetic dental device can be comprised of a different composite material. This composite material includes a ceramic matrix having pores and an organic material infiltrated into the pores. To construct the ceramic matrix, ceramic particles, a binder material, and a porogen material are mixed to create a composite material which is then molded and heated to create a substantially rigid ceramic structure. At least some of the binder material and the porogen material are evaporated during the heating step to create pores in the matrix which are filled with the organic material.