Abstract: This invention relates to local administration of a bone-forming agent and at least one anti-resorptive agent to treat osteoporosis and related disorders.

Abstract: A minimally invasive nucleus pulposus augmentation or replacement methods and devices are disclosed. The method relates to insertion of nucleus pulposus augmentation or replacement materials help maintain disc height and promote regeneration of the native nucleus pulposus structure.

Abstract: A minimally invasive spinal disc defect repair method is disclosed. The method relates to insertion of disc defect repair materials that are substantially two-dimensionally shaped and which allow for insertion and preferably self retention within the disc defect with plugging of the annulus fibrosis.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device includes a body having a proximal portion along a major axis of the body and a distal portion along the major axis, and supporting means at the distal portion. The supporting means supports vertebrae in a distracted position while the vertebrae fuse. At least one of the body and the supporting means has a height distinct from a width, whereby the body or supporting means can distract vertebrae, between which the body or the supporting means has been placed, by rotation of the body or the supporting means about the major axis. A method of fusing vertebrae includes the steps of inserting between two vertebrae an intervertebral fusion device and rotating the body or the supporting means, whereby the vertebrae are supported in a distracted position while the vertebrae fuse.

Abstract: A facet joint replacement system having an elongate rod and a polyaxial screw having a groove therein, wherein the rod is slidably received within the groove of the polyaxial screw.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and compositions for treating pathological intervertebral discs comprising the step of delivering an agent that causes chemical crosslinking of the native molecular components of the disc. Supplemental materials which are susceptible to crosslinking by the aforementioned agent are optionally delivered to the disc in order to increase and maintain disc height.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced, polymeric implant material useful for tissue engineering, and method of making same are provided. The fibers are preferably aligned predominantly parallel to each other, but may also be aligned in a single plane. The implant material comprises a polymeric matrix, preferably a biodegradable matrix, having fibers substantially uniformly distributed therein. In preferred embodiments, porous tissue scaffolds are provided which facilitate regeneration of load-bearing tissues such as articular cartilage and bone. Non-porous fiber-reinforced implant materials are also provided herein useful as permanent implants for load-bearing sites.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for distracting two vertebral bodies and delivering a flowable material into the disc space, comprising a body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion having a shape adapted to distract, the body also having a longitudinal bore defining a first outlet port in the distal portion, and a first injection port in the proximal portion.

Abstract: This invention provides biodegradable, biocompatible polymeric films having uniform selected thicknesses between about 60 micrometers and about 5 mm useful in the manufacture of therapeutic implants for insertion into a patient's body and methods of making them. The films may be shaped to cover implants made of other materials to improve their biocompatibility. The films may be coated with or incorporate bioactive agents. They may have differing properties, e.g., porosity, thickness, and degradation rate, in different areas.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced, polymeric implant material useful for tissue engineering, and method of making same are provided. The fibers are preferably aligned predominantly parallel to each other, but may also be aligned in a single plane. The implant material comprises a polymeric matrix, preferably a biodegradable matrix, having fibers substantially uniformly distributed therein. In preferred embodiments, porous tissue scaffolds are provided which facilitate regeneration of load-bearing tissues such as articular cartilage and bone. Non-porous fiber-reinforced implant materials are also provided herein useful as permanent implants for load-bearing sites.

Abstract: This invention provides biodegradable, biocompatible polymeric films having uniform selected thicknesses between about 60 micrometers and about 5 mm useful in the manufacture of therapeutic implants for insertion into a patient's body. The films may be shaped to cover implants made of other materials to improve their biocompatibility. The films may be coated with or incorporate bioactive agents. They may have differing properties, e.g., porosity, thickness, and degradation rate, in different areas.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced, polymeric implant material useful for tissue engineering, and method of making same are provided. The fibers are preferably aligned predominantly parallel to each other, but may also be aligned in a single plane. The implant material comprises a polymeric matrix, preferably a biodegradable matrix, having fibers substantially uniformly distributed therein. In preferred embodiments, porous tissue scaffolds are provided which facilitate regeneration of load-bearing tissues such as articular cartilage and bone. Non-porous fiber-reinforced implant materials are also provided herein useful as permanent implants for load-bearing sites.

Abstract: This invention relates to an intervertebral connection system comprising: