Abstract: An apparatus for anchoring cable to bone includes an anchor configured to be anchored in a bone and a cable fixed to the anchor. The cable is configured to be tensioned to a measurable and adjustable tension to cause a measurable and adjustable compression of the bone by the cable. The apparatus may include a cable housing having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a passage. The distal portion is detachably and co-rotatably engageable with the anchor and the passage is open to and extends from a distal end of the distal portion. The apparatus also includes a cable having a fixed-end portion and a free-end portion. The fixed-end portion of the cable is fixed to the anchor and the free-end portion of the cable is non-fixedly positionable in the passage of the cable housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for crimping a cable, the apparatus including a crimp body, an elongate shaft, a neck coupling and interposed between the crimp body and the elongate shaft, and a central passage extending through the crimp body, neck, and elongate shaft. The cross-sectional dimension of the central passage is at least large enough to receive the cable.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for identifying candidate compounds having bone anti-resorption activity or bone pro-formation activity. The methods involve the use of ex vivo-derived mineralized three-dimensional bone constructs. The bone constructs are obtained by culturing osteoblasts and osteoclast precursors under randomized gravity vector conditions in the presence of the candidate compound. Preferably, the randomized gravity vector conditions are obtained using a low shear stress rotating bioreactor, such as a High Aspect Ratio Vessel (HARV) culture system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides colloidal bone graft compositions comprising a plurality of mineralized three-dimensional bone constructs, a polymerizable biocompatible matrix, an osteoblast differentiation agent, and at least one osteoblast mineralization agent. The colloidal bone graft compositions of the disclosure are used to perform bone grafts in human or animal patients.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides colloidal bone graft compositions comprising a plurality of mineralized three-dimensional bone constructs, a polymerizable biocompatible matrix, an osteoblast differentiation agent, and at least one osteoblast mineralization agent. The colloidal bone graft compositions of the disclosure are used to perform bone grafts in human or animal patients.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for identifying candidate compounds having bone anti-resorption activity or bone pro-formation activity. The methods involve the use of ex vivo-derived mineralized three-dimensional bone constructs. The bone constructs are obtained by culturing osteoblasts and osteoclast precursors under randomized gravity vector conditions in the presence of the candidate compound. Preferably, the randomized gravity vector conditions are obtained using a low shear stress rotating bioreactor, such as a High Aspect Ratio Vessel (HARV) culture system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for producing human osteogenic cell lines in which HLA Class I expression is absent or reduced. The resulting osteogenic cells can then be used, for example, to form mineralized three-dimensional bone constructs which can be used, for example, in bone grafting procedures. The lack of HLA Class I expression in the cells of the mineralized three-dimensional bone constructs reduces or eliminates the potential for host-graft rejection.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides ex vivo-derived human demineralized bone matrix. The bone matrix is produced using mineralized three-dimensional bone constructs. The bone constructs are obtained by culturing osteoblasts and osteoclast precursors under randomized gravity vector conditions. Preferably, the randomized gravity vector conditions are obtained using a low shear stress rotating bioreactor, such as a High Aspect Ratio Vessel (HARV) culture system. The ex vivo-derived human demineralized bone matrix of the disclosure can be used in, for example, orthopedic and periodontal procedures.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for producing Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs). The BMPs are produced using ex vivo-derived mineralized three-dimensional bone constructs of varying degrees of maturity and mineralization. The bone constructs are obtained by culturing osteoblasts and osteoclast precursors under randomized gravity vector conditions whereupon the bone constructs secrete BMPs into the culture medium. Culture medium is periodically removed from the bone construct culture, and the BMPs are purified from the removed culture medium.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for externally repairing fractured bones and facilitating alignment of displaced fractured bone segments without requiring use of an external ring fixator system and tension wires. The system comprises at least one panel member having a plurality of apertures extending from a first side to a second side of the panel member. At least two pin carriers are capable of being inserted into at least two of the plurality of apertures in the at least one panel member, the pin carriers, upon insertion into one of the plurality of apertures in the panel member, being longitudinally fixed relative to the aperture, but capable of rotation within the aperture. At least two half-pins are capable of insertion into the a pin carrier, following insertion of the one pin carrier into one of the plurality of apertures provided in the panel member, toward subsequent securement to a fractured bone segment.

Abstract: An alignment jack apparatus is disclosed for use in association with a circular external ring fixator system and facilitating alignment of displaced fracture bone fragments. The jack apparatus comprise a body housing a position control mechanism, an attachment clip connected to the body for releasably retaining the jack apparatus upon an external ring such that the alignment jack apparatus may be positioned between the external ring and the exterior facing surface of an underlying limb. The position control mechanism extends a moveable shaft from the body housing or retracts the shaft into the body housing such that a pressure plate connected to the shaft contacts the soft tissue of the limb and transmits a force to the underlying bone whereby an underlying bone fragment is repositioned as the pressure plate applies force to the external surface of the limb.

Abstract: An antibiotic eluding intramedullary nail apparatus for use in the intramedullary fixation of fractured long bones, such as femurs, tibias, fibulas, humeri, ulnas and radii, as well as other orthopedic and bone reconstructive procedures, and, in particular fractures associated with an open wound exposing the soft tissue and medullary canal of the fractured bone to bacteria and other infectious micro-organisms.

Abstract: An antibiotic eluding intramedullary nail apparatus for use in the intramedullary fixation of fractured long bones, such as femurs, tibias, fibulas, humeri, ulnas and radii, as well as other orthopedic and bone reconstructive procedures, and, in particular fractures associated with an open wound exposing the soft tissue and medullary canal of the fractured bone to bacteria and other infectious micro-organisms.