Abstract: Provided is a compression resistant implant configured to fit at or near a bone defect to promote bone growth, the compression resistant implant comprising porous ceramic particles in a biodegradable polymer, and an oxysterol disposed in or on the compression resistant implant. Methods of making and use are further provided.

Abstract: Provided is a malleable implant configured to fit at or near a bone defect site to promote bone growth, the malleable implant comprising: a biodegradable polymer, mineral particles, and an oxysterol, the implant configured to become moldable upon being wetted with a fluid. Methods of making and use are further provided.

Abstract: Provided is a slow release composition to promote bone growth, the slow release composition comprising: an oxysterol encapsulated in a biodegradable polymer to control the release of the oxysterol. Methods of making and use are further provided.

Abstract: A system for delivering a surgical tack in tissue includes a driver, comprising: a shaft having a slot and a channel; and a handle slidably connected to said shaft and having a driving mechanism, said driving mechanism having a driving pin for providing a downward force through said shaft; and a tack cartridge having a plurality of tacks and adapted to be received in said slot and further adapted to feed said tacks between said driving mechanism and said channel.

Abstract: Provided is a compression resistant implant configured to fit at or near a bone defect to promote bone growth, the compression resistant implant comprising porous ceramic particles in a biodegradable polymer, and an oxysterol disposed in or on the compression resistant implant. Methods of making and use are further provided.

Abstract: Provided is a malleable implant configured to fit at or near a bone defect site to promote bone growth, the malleable implant comprising: a biodegradable polymer, mineral particles, and an oxysterol, the implant configured to become moldable upon being wetted with a fluid. Methods of making and use are further provided.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the binding of growth factors and cell cultures to a demineralized allograft bone material which includes applying ex vivo an effective quantity of an ionic force change agent to at least a portion of the surface of a demineralized allograft bone material to produce a binding-sensitized demineralized allograft bone material and implanting the binding-sensitized demineralized allograft bone material into a host bone. The ionic force change agent may include at least one of enzymes, pressure, chemicals, heat, sheer force, oxygen plasma, supercritical nitrogen, supercritical carbon, supercritical water or a combination thereof. A molecule, a cell culture, or a combination thereof is administered to the binding-sensitized demineralized allograft bone material.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for alleviating discogenic pain by administering a therapeutic agent that disrupts neuronal and/or vascular elements in the disc, which is typically a degenerated disc. Disruption of neuronal elements in the disk includes destroying nerve endings without substantially affecting the central body of the nerve, suppressing activation of the nerve endings, and inhibiting the growth of nerve endings into the disk. Disruption of vascular elements includes causing the vascular extensions to retract from the disk, or suppressing the formation of such extensions. The therapeutic agent may be administered locally via an interbody pump, a bolus or a depot, or may be administered systemically.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for alleviating discogenic pain by administering a therapeutic agent that disrupts neuronal and/or vascular elements in the disc, which is typically a degenerated disc. Disruption of neuronal elements in the disk includes destroying nerve endings without substantially affecting the central body of the nerve, suppressing activation of the nerve endings, and inhibiting the growth of nerve endings into the disk. Disruption of vascular elements includes causing the vascular extensions to retract from the disk, or suppressing the formation of such extensions. The therapeutic agent may be administered locally via an interbody pump, a bolus or a depot, or may be administered systemically.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the binding of growth factors and cell cultures to a demineralized allograft bone material which includes applying ex vivo an effective quantity of an ionic force change agent to at least a portion of the surface of a demineralized allograft bone material to produce a binding-sensitized demineralized allograft bone material and implanting the binding-sensitized demineralized allograft bone material into a host bone. The ionic force change agent may include at least one of enzymes, pressure, chemicals, heat, sheer force, oxygen plasma, supercritical nitrogen, supercritical carbon, supercritical water or a combination thereof. A molecule, a cell culture, or a combination thereof is administered to the binding-sensitized demineralized allograft bone material.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and composition developed to be used with imaging techniques and useful for diagnosis and monitoring the pain generator(s) of axial pain with or without radiculopathy and methods for screening therapeutic compounds potentially useful for treating axial pain with or without radiculopathy. Alternatively, degenerated discs can be monitored and treated before occurrence of a pathological pain condition. Pain markers and markers of degeneration include markers of neuronal, vascular, immune and matrix elements.

Abstract: Flowable compositions and methods are provided for delivering a therapeutic agent at or near a target tissue site beneath the skin of a patient, the flowable composition comprising (i) a solvent and (ii) an effective amount of the therapeutic agent, the flowable composition being capable of hardening to form a drug depot at a physiological temperature or as solvent contacts bodily fluid at or near the target tissue site, wherein the drug depot is capable of releasing the therapeutic agent over a period of at least one day and the target tissue site comprises at least one muscle, ligament, tendon, cartilage, spinal disc, spinal foraminal space near the spinal nerve root, facet or synovial joint, or spinal canal.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for the preservation, storage, and transport of living biological tissues, organs, and populations of isolated cells. In particular, the disclosed compositions and processes permit mammalian cells, tissues, and organs to be harvested from suitable donor animals, stored for prolonged periods, and transported to the site of recipient implantation, all without significant loss of cell viability, biological activity, and/or tissue integrity.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for alleviating discogenic pain by administering a therapeutic agent that disrupts neuronal and/or vascular elements in the disc, which is typically a degenerated disc. Disruption of neuronal elements in the disk includes destroying nerve endings without substantially affecting the central body of the nerve, suppressing activation of the nerve endings, and inhibiting the growth of nerve endings into the disk. Disruption of vascular elements includes causing the vascular extensions to retract from the disk, or suppressing the formation of such extensions. The therapeutic agent may be administered locally via an interbody pump, a bolus or a depot, or may be administered systemically.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and composition developed to be used with imaging techniques and useful for diagnosis and monitoring the pain generator(s) of axial pain with or without radiculopathy and methods for screening therapeutic compounds potentially useful for treating axial pain with or without radiculopathy. Alternatively, degenerated discs can be monitored and treated before occurrence of a pathological pain condition. Pain markers and markers of degeneration include markers of neuronal, vascular, immune and matrix elements.

Abstract: A covering for delivering a therapeutic agent to a surgical site is provided. The covering may include a single or multi-compartment structure configured to at least partially retain the therapeutic agent until the covering is placed at a surgical site. Upon placement, the covering may facilitate transfer of the therapeutic agent to the surgical site. In some embodiments, the covering comprises an antimicrobial agent, a hemostatic agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, and/or a growth factor.

Abstract: Human lubricating gels, methods and kits for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target tissue site beneath the skin of a patient utilizing human lubricating gel are provided, the human lubricating gel being capable of adhering to the target tissue site and comprising one or more biodegradable formulations containing an effective amount of the therapeutic agent. In various embodiments, the human lubricating gel is sprayable and hardens after contacting the target tissue site.

Abstract: Provided is an implant configured to fit at or near a bone defect to promote bone growth, the implant comprising: a biodegradable polymer in an amount of about 0.1 wt % to about 20 wt % of the implant and an oxysterol in an amount of about 20 wt % to about 90 wt % of the implant. The implant has a high oxysterol load. Methods of making and use are further provided.

Abstract: Provided is a compression resistant implant configured to fit at or near a bone defect to promote bone growth, the compression resistant implant comprising porous ceramic particles in a biodegradable polymer, and an oxysterol disposed in or on the compression resistant implant. Methods of making and use are further provided.

Abstract: Provided is a slow release composition to promote bone growth, the slow release composition comprising: an oxysterol encapsulated in a biodegradable polymer to control the release of the oxysterol. Methods of making and use are further provided.