Abstract: Surgical device for immobilization of bone fracture, which device comprises at least one, essentially stiff osteosynthesis plate (7) which is located perpendicularly over or through the fracture (6). Additionally the osteosynthesis device comprises at least one firm fixing element (8, 8') which is fastened to bone (5) and/or tightened to its place to go beyond or to perforate the fracture (6) and/or to go beyond the osteosynthesis plate (7) in such a way that the osteosynthesis plate (7), the tightened fixing element (8, 8', 8") and the region of immobilized bone (5) where the fracture (6) exists form an assembly whose stiffness is high enough to confirm the healing of the fracture (6) and that as a consequence of resorption of osteosynthesis plate (7) during the healing of the fracture (6) the stiffness and mechanical strength of the surgical device decrease in such a way that the need to remove the surgical device or part of it at a separate subsequent operation is excluded.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing vitreous carbon comprises the steps of providing a mixture of a thermsetting resin and an inert organic solvent. The resin is then hardened in the presence of the solvent while maintaining the temperature of the solvent below its boiling point. The temperature of the solvent is then raised above its boiling point to develop porosity in the hardened resin. The porous hardened resin is then carbonized in an inert atmosphere to form vitreous carbon.