Abstract: A combination suction and irrigation device for a medical procedure. The device includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end and defines an open channel that extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The open channel is open at both the proximal end and the distal end. A suction port is in communication with the open channel and is connectable to a source of suction. An irrigation port is in communication with the open channel and is connectable to a source of irrigation fluid. A valve selectively opens and closes the open channel to flow relative to the suction port and to the open proximal end, and to flow relative to the irrigation port.

Abstract: A combination suction and irrigation device for a medical procedure. The device includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end and defines an open channel that extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The open channel is open at both the proximal end and the distal end. A suction port is in communication with the open channel and is connectable to a source of suction. An irrigation port is in communication with the open channel and is connectable to a source of irrigation fluid. A valve selectively opens and closes the open channel to flow relative to the suction port and to the open proximal end, and to flow relative to the irrigation port.

Abstract: Methods and articles of manufacture for treating patients with degenerative bone are provided. The methods are useful to improve bone quality in a localized area of a degenerative bone (e.g., osteopenic or osteoporotic bone), such as by improving BMD to be substantially similar to BMD in an average, healthy individual at the age of peak BMD. The methods can comprise forming a void in a localized area of the degenerative bone and filling the void with a bone regenerative material that causes generation of new, healthy, natural bone material. The articles of manufacture can comprise kits formed of various materials useful in the inventive methods for improving bone quality.

Abstract: Methods and articles of manufacture for treating patients with degenerative bone are provided. The methods are useful to improve bone quality in a localized area of a degenerative bone (e.g., osteopenic or osteoporotic bone), such as by improving BMD to be substantially similar to BMD in an average, healthy individual at the age of peak BMD. The methods can comprise forming a void in a localized area of the degenerative bone and filling the void with a bone regenerative material that causes generation of new, healthy, natural bone material. The articles of manufacture can comprise kits formed of various materials useful in the inventive methods for improving bone quality.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward porous composites for application to a bone defect site to promote new bone growth. The inventive porous composites comprise a biocompatible polymer and a plurality of particles of bone-derived material, inorganic material, bone substitute material or composite material. In certain embodiments, the porous composites are prepared using a method that includes a supercritical fluid (e.g., supercritical carbon dioxide) treatment. The invention also discloses methods of using these composites as bone void fillers.

Abstract: An implant system for fusing vertebrae includes a variety of shapes that may be stacked to accommodate different intervertebral spacings and curvatures. The implants comprise polymer-bone composites that have osteogenic properties. By selection of an appropriate set of shapes, the surgeon can tailor the overall shape of the implant before or during surgery, in order to best match the shape of the intervertebral cavity for a particular patient.

Abstract: An implant including a cell conducting phase and a binder phase. At least a portion of the surface of the implant includes the cell conducting phase, and the cell conducting phase defines a path from the surface of the implant to an interior of the implant.