Abstract: A process for manufacturing an apatite ceramic, especially for biological use involves the preparation of a homogeneous mixture of powders to form a hydroxyapatite of formula Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, stoichiometric or non-stoichiometric, possibly containing other additives or flaws, compacting the mixture under a pressure of 100 to 500 Mpa at room temperature, and subjecting it to hydrothermal treatment at low temperature (100 to 500° C.) in the presence of water and in a sealed chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for coating a medical implant, wherein the implant is submersed in an aqueous solution of magnesium, calcium and phosphate ions through which a gaseous weak acid is passed, the solution is degassed, and the coating is allowed to precipitate onto the implant. The invention further relates to a medical implant coated in said method and to a device for use in said method.

Abstract: Alkali silicate glasses are described which, in view of their good chemical stability and their optical properties and processing properties, are particularly suitable as a coating or veneering material for ceramic dental frameworks and hence for the production of all-ceramic dental restorations such as crowns or bridges.

Abstract: Methods of reforming degenerated intervertebral discs are provided in accordance with methods of the invention. Hybrid materials useful in methods of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: Coatings of scarcely crystalline carbonated hydroxyapatite are deposited on metallic or ceramic substrates, by immersing the substrates in a solution containing calcium phosphate and bicarbonate ions, with a molar ratio calcium/phosphate from 0.8 to 2 and a pH from 6.8 to 8.0. Subsequently, the solution is heated to 50-80° C., thus raising the pH and causing a spontaneous deposition of carbonated hydroxyapatite on the substrates. The obtained coatings are highly biocompatible, osteoconductive, bioactive and biodegradable, and can be utilized in structures used for preparing orthopaedic and dental prostheses and implants.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for implants with composite coatings to promote tissue in-growth and/or on-growth. An implant includes: a substrate; a structured surface formed on at least a portion of the substrate; and a biocompatible coating deposited on at least a fraction of the structured surface. The systems and methods provide advantages in that the implant has good biocompatibility while the biocompatible coating has good strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced bioactive ceramic implant, wherein a base form is made from fibrous material and interspaces between the different fibers are filled using chemical vapor phase infiltration. The fibrous material is coated with a composition which optimizes the bonding with the infiltrant. Preferably, a calcium-phosphate compound is brought between the fibers, which are preferably of the continuous-fiber type.

Abstract: The invention relates to biocement pastes based on tricalcium phosphate and materials which are suitable for preventing or reducing the tendencies of the settable pastes to disintegrate and for improving their cohesion properties, with the result that improved processing of said pastes in the preparation of synthetic bone cements is ensured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for coating a medical implant, wherein the implant is submersed in an aqueous solution of magnesium, calcium and phosphate ions through which a gaseous weak acid is passed, the solution is degassed, and the coating is allowed to precipitate onto the implant. The invention further relates to a medical implant coated in said method and to a device for use in said method.

Abstract: Porcelain compositions of the present invention comprises particulate of one or more glass or glass-ceramic powder components. Additionally, one or more opacifing agents, pigments, fluorescing agents and the like may be included in the composition. Based on volume percent, the particulate has a d10 of from about 1.1 and about 1.8 microns; a d50 of from about 3 to about 6 microns; a d90 of from about 8 to about 16 microns; and about 1.0 to about 4.0% by volume of the particulate has a particle size greater than or equal to about 20 microns. The mean particle size is preferably in the range of about 3.0 microns to about 7.5 microns.