Abstract: The invention provides an insert for receiving a bone screw. The insert includes a head portion and a body portion extending from the head portion and defined by a helically formed coil. The helically formed coil has an outer diametrical surface configured for engaging a bone and an inner diametrical surface configured for engaging a bone screw extended therethrough. The invention also provides a method of anchoring a bone screw in a bone. The method includes providing an insert for receiving a bone screw, implanting the insert within a bore formed in a bone, and driving a bone screw into the inner diametrical surface of the insert within the bore.

Abstract: A method for tissue augmentation in a mammal is provided having injecting a polymer at a tissue site in need of augmentation and having a tissue temperature, the polymer having repeating peptide monomeric units selected from the group consisting of nonapeptide, pentapeptide and tetrapeptide monomeric units, wherein the monomeric units form a series of &bgr;-turns separated by dynamic bridging segments suspended between the &bgr;-turns, wherein the polymer has an inverse temperature transition Tt less than the tissue temperature, and wherein the polymer is injected as a water solution at coacervate concentration in the substantial absence of additional water. A kit containing the injectable bioelastic polymer and a syringe is also provided.