Abstract: An intervertebral implant having a composite wedge/dowel configuration is provided. The intervertebral implant includes a central body portion and a pair of radially extending wings. The radially extending wings can be tapered from a first end of the implant to the second end of the implant along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the central body portion. Alternately, the radially extending wings can be tapered along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body portion or along any other axis between parallel and transverse to the longitudinal axis. A throughbore or plurality of throughbores extend from a top surface of the implant through the implant to a bottom surface of the implant. The implant may be formed from a cortical ring cut from the diaphysis of a long bone by milling the top and bottom surfaces of the cortical ring to form the substantially central body portion and the tapered radially extending wings.

Abstract: There is provided a combined two-part intervertebral implant (10) configured to restore the spacing between adjacent vertebrae. The implant (10) generally includes a spacer ring (12) having upper and lower vertebral engaging surfaces and a bore for receipt of a locking element (14). The implant (10) further includes a locking element (14) which is engageable within the spacer ring (12) and has a diameter or height greater than the thickness of the spacer ring. In one embodiment, the spacer ring (12) may be formed as a C-shaped element (16). In an alternative embodiment, the spacer ring may be formed as an intact ring (42) having a side bore (44) for receipt of the locking element. One or both parts of the implant (10) may be partially or wholly surface demineralized to provide a flexible surface on implant. A method of using the spacer ring (12) and locking element (14) to secure the assembled implant between adjacent vertebrae is also disclosed.

Abstract: An osteoimplant is provided which comprises a coherent aggregate of elongate bone particles, the osteoimplant possessing predetermined dimensions and shape. The osteoimplant is highly absorbent and sponge-like in nature. Also provided herein are a method of fabricating the osteoimplant and a method of repairing and/or treating bone defects utilizing the osteoimplant.

Abstract: A method of treating a condition in a vertebrate animal characterized by bone having increased porosity and/or decreased bone mineral density. The porous bone is injected with an effective amount of a flowable bone composition. Also provided is a kit for the treatment of porous bone wherein a flowable bone composition is contained within an injectable delivery system.

Abstract: There is provided a combined two-part intervertebral implant configured to restore the spacing between adjacent vertebrae. The implant generally includes a spacer ring having upper and lower vertebral engaging surfaces and a bore for receipt of a locking element. The implant further includes a locking element which is engagable within the spacer ring and has a diameter or height greater than the thickness of the spacer ring. In one embodiment, the spacer ring may be formed as a C-shaped element. In an alternative embodiment, the spacer ring may be formed as an intact ring having a side bore for receipt of the locking element. One or both parts of the implant may be partially or wholly surface demineralized to provide a flexible surface on implant. A method of using the spacer ring and locking element to secure the assembled implant between adjacent vertebrae is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for fabricating shaped material from demineralized bone particles includes the steps of applying a liquid slurry of demineralized bone particles to a support, removing excess liquid form the demineralized bone particles to provide a cohering shaped mass of demineralized bone particles, and warming the shaped mass of demineralized bone particles at a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time period. The resultant bone mass exhibits enhanced tensile strength and minimal bone particle disassociation upon rehydration thereby improving product handling and application at the operative site.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant having a composite wedge/dowel configuration is provided. The intervertebral implant includes a central body portion and a pair of radially extending wings. The radially extending wings can be tapered from a first end of the implant to the second end of the implant along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the central body portion. Alternately, the radially extending wings can be tapered along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body portion or along any other axis between parallel and transverse to the longitudinal axis. A throughbore or plurality of throughbores extend from a top surface of the implant through the implant to a bottom surface of the implant. The implant may be formed from a cortical ring cut from the diaphysis of a long bone by milling the top and bottom surfaces of the cortical ring to form the substantially central body portion and the tapered radially extending wings.

Abstract: There is provided a pulsatile flow pressure system for treating tissue, such as, for example, bone tissue. This system generally includes one, and preferably two, pressure chambers configured to receive the natural ends of intact bone. Alternate positive and negative pressures are enacted on the bone ends to force fluid into the bone and substantially out through an exterior surface thereof. Alternatively, both ends of an intact bone can be positioned in separate pressure chambers and simultaneous positive or negative pressures applied to the bone ends to force fluid through the bone tissue.

Abstract: An osteogenic osteoimplant in the form of a flexible sheet comprising a coherent mass of bone-derived particles, the osteoimplant having a void volume not greater than about 32% and a method of making an osteogenic osteoimplant having not greater than about 32% void volume, the method comprising: providing a coherent mass of bone-derived particles; and, mechanically shaping the coherent mass of bone-derived particles to form an osteogenic osteoimplant in the form of a flexible sheet.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant having a composite wedge/dowel configuration is provided. The intervertebral implant includes a central body portion and a pair of radially extending wings. The radially extending wings can be tapered from a first end of the implant to the second end of the implant along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the central body portion. Alternately, the radially extending wings can be tapered along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body portion or along any other axis between parallel and transverse to the longitudinal axis. A throughbore or plurality of throughbores extend from a top surface of the implant through the implant to a bottom surface of the implant. The implant may be formed from a cortical ring cut from the diaphysis of a long bone by milling the top and bottom surfaces of the cortical ring to form the substantially central body portion and the tapered radially extending wings.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer formed of dense cancellous human or animal bone is provided. In one preferred embodiment, the intervertebral spacer includes at least one bore which is dimensioned to receive a plug formed from cortical bone tissue. The cortical bone plug provides increased mechanical strength to the intervertebral spacer. Instrumentation for gauging the size of an intervertebral receiving bed and for grasping and inserting an intervertebral spacer or implant into an intervertebral receiving bed are also provided. These instruments include a spacer trial or set of spacer trials for determining the appropriate size spacer required for a particular surgical procedure, a spacer introducer for grasping and positioning a spacer at least partially within a receiving bed formed in the intervertebral space, and a bone tamp for driving a spacer into the receiving bed. Any one or all of these instruments may be provided in a kit for inserting an implant into the intervertebral space.

Abstract: A method for promoting the growth of bone, periodontium, or ligament in a warm-blooded vertebrate, the method comprising: producing a surgical flap to expose the bone, periodontium or ligament; debriding the bone, periodontium or ligament to remove organic matter from the bone, periodontium or ligament; implanting an effective amount of an osteogenic bone graft material, the bone graft material consisting of an osteoimplant having not greater than about 32% void volume formed at least in part from elongate bone-derived elements optionally in combination with bone powder; replacing the flap; and, allowing the bone, periodontium or ligament to regrow.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant having a tabbed configuration is provided. The intervertebral implant includes a substantially cylindrical body portion and a pair of radially extending tabs. The radially extending tabs may be provided as a single or double pair and may assume various shapes and configurations for engaging the interior of a bore formed between adjacent vertebrae. A throughbore or plurality of throughbores extend from the top surface of the implant to the bottom surface of the implant. The implant may be formed from a cortical ring cut from the diaphysis of a long bone by milling. Alternatively, the implant may be formed of any biocompatible material having the requisite strength requirements via any known process, i.e., molding.

Abstract: An implantable, biocompatible, osteogenic bone graft comprises at least one zone of impermeability to soft tissue ingrowth which is integral with the bone graft. Application of the bone graft to a bone repair site leads to selective rapid new bone ingrowth and inhibits or prevents soft tissue, e.g., gingival, epithelial, connective and/or muscle tissue, ingrowth in those areas adjacent to the zone(s) of impermeability to soft tissue ingrowth. The bone graft can be employed in a wide variety of bone repair procedures.

Abstract: Monolithic bone intended for implantation is treated in order to conserve its mechanical strength during lyophilization and subsequent packaging and to maintain the strength of the bone during the storage period preceding the rehydration and implantation of the bone. The method of treatment comprises contacting the bone with a mechanical strength-conserving amount of at least one biocompatible mechanical strength-conserving agent, the agent being a liquid organic material which is capable of penetrating and remaining in the bone during its lyophilization, packaging and storage, lyophilizing the bone containing the mechanical strength-conserving agent and packaging the lyophilized bone.

Abstract: A bone-derived implant is provided which is made up of one or more layers of fully mineralized or partially demineralized cortical bone and, optionally, one or more layers of some other material. The layers constituting the implant are assembled into a unitary structure to provide an implant exhibiting good overall load-supporting properties.

Abstract: A pressure flow system and method for its use are provided for contacting the interior of a fluid permeable, e.g., porous, workpiece. The system includes a fluid pressure chamber having an inlet port and an opening formed in one of the chamber walls. An adjustable seal capable of providing a fluid-tight seal about the exterior of a workpiece having a non-uniform surface is positioned within the opening. Fluid under pressure is supplied to the pressure chamber to force fluid to flow through the internal matrix of the workpiece. In a preferred embodiment, the workpiece is a bone or a section thereof, and the fluid is forced to flow from the endosteal portion of bone to the periosteal portion of bone through the vasculature and porous structure of the bone to remove blood, bone marrow and/or other non-bone constituent(s) from the bone.

Abstract: A surgical implant containing a resorbable radiopaque marker enables the position and/or orientation of the implant to be readily determined by x-ray or other radiographic technique following its surgical implantation in the body.