Abstract: The invention relates to a customizable wearable top for the treatment of scoliosis, such as Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), in a person and related methods. In one form there is provided a customizable wearable top to treat scoliosis in a person comprising: a body portion formed from a soft material and being wearable around the upper torso and having a body front and a body back; a strap adjuster on an outward facing surface of the body back, the strap adjuster configured to, or customizable to, mount a first end of one or more straps at a selectable longitudinal position thereon, such that when worn the straps are extendable around at least a portion of a wearer's upper torso to apply a bias force to a treatment site on the person corresponding to the selectable longitudinal position.

Abstract: Novel hybrid materials and fabrication methods thereof are provided. The novel hybrid materials can include a biodegradable polymer and a biodegradable metallic material. The hybrid material can also include a coupling agent between the biodegradable metallic material and the biodegradable polymer. A method of fabricating a hybrid material can include performing a surface treatment process on the biodegradable metallic material, and then either performing a solvent formation method or a thermal formation method.

Abstract: Novel hybrid materials and fabrication methods thereof are provided. The novel hybrid materials can include a biodegradable polymer and a biodegradable metallic material. The hybrid material can also include a coupling agent between the biodegradable metallic material and the biodegradable polymer. A method of fabricating a hybrid material can include performing a surface treatment process on the biodegradable metallic material, and then either performing a solvent formation method or a thermal formation method.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a shape memory and/or super-elastic material, such as a nickel titanium alloy. Additionally or alternatively, the present invention relates to a super-elastic or pseudo-elastic material that has an initial transition temperature Af above a body temperature. The shape memory material can have a super-elasticity or pseudo-elasticity property at a temperature below the initial transition temperature Af of the material. For example, the shape memory material can have its workable temperature for producing super-elasticity or pseudo-elasticity of about 0° C. to 15° C. below the initial transition temperature Af. The shape memory material can be malleable at a room temperature, and become super-elastic or pseudo-elastic at a body temperature. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of making a shape memory or a super-elastic material.

Abstract: A composition for use as a bioactive bone cement having a powder component including strontium-containing hydroxy apatite and formulated to create a settable fluid substance when mixed with a liquid component. The liquid component includes a Bisphenol A diglycidylether dimethacrylate resin which when mixed with the powder component creates a bioactive bone cement. The bioactive bone cement can alternatively be in the form of a two paste component system in which a first paste component including strontium-containing hydroxy apatite, Bisphenol A diglycidylether dimethacrylate resin and a polymerization initiator is formulated to create a settable paste substance when mixed with a second paste component. The second paste component includes strontium-containing hydroxy apatite, Bisphenol A diglycidylether dimethacrylate resin, and a polymerization accelerator which when mixed together with the first paste component creates a bioactive bone cement.