Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, dosage forms and methods for stimulating cartilage growth, regeneration or repair, and treating cartilage defects and diseases using short chain polyphosphates, in particular polyphosphates having a chain length of greater than 5 phosphate units. The compositions, dosage forms and methods have particular application in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Abstract: A resorbable biomaterial for implantation in humans and other animals comprises amorphous or crystalline condensed calcium phosphate of the general formula: [Ca(PO.sub.3).sub.2 ].sub.n, where n is 3 or greater and the molar ratio of Ca:P is between about 0.4 and 0.6. The condensed calcium phosphate powder can be formed as a sintered powder which is bound or consolidated to form at least part of an implantable anchor, with controlled size and amount of porosity. The condensed calcium phosphate part of anchor/implant preferably has a bone interfacing portion which is placed in juxtaposition with adjacent hard tissues when implanted in a patient, and which is characterized by interconnected pores extending from the exterior throughout the interior of the biomaterial. The condensed calcium phosphate may be used to replace hard connective tissues, or to regenerate soft connective tissues by providing a support on which soft tissue may be grown in vitro or in vivo, or to anchor soft connective tissue to bone.