Abstract: This invention relates to copolymers which consist essentially of [-ether-phenyl-ether-phenyl-carbonyl-phenyl-]and [ether-phenyl-phenyl-ether-phenyl-carbonyl-phenyl-] repeat units, as well as end units, which have reduced melting temperature (Tm) compared to prior art copolymers including such repeat units. The copolymers of the invention exhibit crystallinity and have similar glass transition temperatures to the prior art polymers.

Abstract: A vertebral-column device that is suitable to be received in an intervertebral space between two dorsal vertebrae, the prosthesis comprising a curved strip of biocompatible material. The width of the strip being such that after placement, the strip makes contact with the vertebrae. The strip is manufactured from a material that can undergo great deformations before permanent deformation arises. The strip is curved in a shape in which the extremities are situated apart from one another and the radius of the curved parts and the thickness of the strip are chosen in such a way that when the strip is bent out into an approximately straight strip, scarcely any permanent deformation arises. Thus, the strip which has been bent out into an approximately straight strip is capable of being introduced into an intervertebral space where the strip assumes its original curved shape.