Abstract: Various elements and alloys selected to achieve both biocompatibility and low melting point for use in infiltrating a porous matrix. The infiltrated porous matrix may be made of ceramic, metal, bioglass, or other suitable material. The infiltrated matrix may be used as a biomedical implant, such as for bone repair and regeneration. The matrix may be manufactured using solid free form fabrication techniques such as three-dimensional printing.

Abstract: An implant (1) comprises or consists of titanium and has one or more surfaces which can be applied in or on a tissue area and/or bone growth area in or on bone, for example the jaw bone (3). One or more surfaces are provided with a pore arrangement having material oxide layers (1b) of substantial thickness. The pore arrangement or pore arrangements is/are coated with a layer made up of calcium phosphate compound(s), for example one or more layers with a total thickness within the range of a few Angstroms and ca. 5 &mgr;m. In this way, implants can be made available which cover a niche within the overall demand in the technical field.

Abstract: The medical implant is constructed of a fiber reinforced plastic. That fibers (50a,50b) are generally aligned in layers (C,D,E), wherein the fibers of at least two different layers having different orientations. The fibers are long and oriented in relationship to the biomechanical requirements. The implant can oppose multi-directional forces and can be manufactured with the appropriate strength and stiffness.

Abstract: Osteoconductive/osteoinductive titanium/titanium alloy implant comprising an additional element in the titanium oxide, obtained by anodic oxidation. The implant comprises an additional element in the titanium oxide such as calcium, phosphor or sulphur. The invention also relates to a process of producing the implants.

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: An implant for deployment in select locations or select tissue for regeneration of tissue is disclosed. The implant comprising collagen and or other bio-resorbable materials, where the implant may also be used for therapy delivery. Additionally, the implant may be “matched” to provide the implant with similar physical and/or chemical properties as the host tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) maintains a desired distance between two parts (5, 6) of a severed sternum of a patient. The apparatus (10) includes an elongate member (20), such as a plastic or surgical steel plate, and an element (60) for securing the elongate member (20) to each of the two parts (5, 6) of the severed sternum. The elongate member (20) has longitudinal edges (32, 34) dimensioned and configured to space apart the two parts (5, 6) of the severed sternum the desired distance. When implanted, the two parts (5, 6) of the severed sternum engage the longitudinal edges (32, 34) of the elongate member (20) to maintain the desired distance between such parts.

Abstract: Endosseous implant to be applied to a human or animal bone, wherein the surface of the implant is made from titanium or a titanium alloy, said implant having a smooth or rough surface texture, which is characterized in that said surface has been treated with at least one selected organic phosphonate compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester or an amide thereof; process for producing said implants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical fastener or device (implant) formed in the shape of an arrow comprising a shaft with a proximal (first) portion having protrusions and a blunt end and a distal (second) portion having protrusions and a pointed end, the protrusions of the proximal and distal portions configured to lock the implant in a position inside a soft and/or tough tissue according to the use of the implant. The implant may be manufactured of a polymer or a polymeric compound which is substantially (bio)absorbable in tissue conditions and contains oriented reinforcing structure or the like of a polymer or polymeric compound or ceramic bioglass compound. The surgical implant of the invention is particularly but not solely intended to be used in repair surgery of traumas of soft and/or tough tissues containing fibrous structures, such as knee meniscal tissues.

Abstract: An impermanent biocompatible fastener comprises a male portion and a female portion. The male portion includes a base member and a pair of male members. The male members extend downwardly from the base member, each male member comprising a post and a head disposed at the bottom end of the post. The female portion includes a base member and a pair of sleeves. The sleeves extend upwardly from the base member, each sleeve defining a bore adapted to receive a head from a corresponding male member and having an inner flange. The flange extends into the bore and is engageable with the head once the head has been inserted past the flange to inhibit withdrawal of the head from the bore. Except for a biodegradable outer coating on each of the two heads, the fastener is made entirely of a non-bioabsorbable material.

Abstract: In order to form positive connections with human or animal tissue parts, particularly bones, implants (7) are used that at least partially consist of a material that can be liquefied by means of mechanical energy. Particularly suitable materials of this type are thermoplastics (e.g. resorbable thermoplastics) or thixotropic materials. The implants (7) are brought into contact with the tissue part, are subjected to the action of ultrasonic energy and are simultaneously pressed against the tissue part. The liquefiable material then liquefies and is pressed into openings or surface asperities of the tissue part so that, once solidified, it is positively joined thereto. The implantation involves the use of an implantation device comprising a generator (2), an oscillating element and a resonator (6), whereby the generator (2) causes the oscillating element to mechanically oscillate, and the element transmits the oscillations to the resonator (6).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and materials in combination for bonding screws to a fixation plate or to a skeletal bone using chemical means. The chemicals include solvents, glues, or bonding agents, which act to improve the strength of bone screw to plate or the bone screw to skeletal bone interface. Interface refers to the contact area between the bone screw and either the plate or skeletal bone. The fixation device usually comprises a plate with bone screws implanted within the human skeleton. The bone screw maintains the plate in contact with the bone or maintains another structure such as a tendon in contact with the bony skeleton. The chemical bonding is in addition to or in place of a mechanical means to bond the bone screw to the fixation plate or to the skeletal bone. It provides for added strength to the bone screw interface with a plate or skeletal bone, reducing the probability of screw loosening and or migration.

Abstract: A bone fastener which prevents infection that can be used, for example, to attach an external fixation device to bone. The fastener may be partially coated with an antibacterial agent (such as silver) directly deposited on the biocompatible material to prevent infection. The coating can be applied to the fastener in a number of different ways in a wide variety of patterns.

Abstract: A coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium of uniform and controlled thickness on a zirconium or zirconium alloy material is accomplished through the use of a single phase crystalline material substrate having an altered surface roughness. An oxidized zirconium coating of uniform and controlled thickness is especially useful on orthopedic implants of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys to provide low friction, highly wear resistant surfaces on artificial joints, such as, but not limited to, hip joints, knee joints, shoulders, elbows, and spinal implants. The uniformly thick oxidized zirconium surface of controlled depth on prostheses provide a barrier against implant corrosion caused by ionization of the metal prostheses. The invention is also useful in non-articulating implant devices such as bone plates, bone screws, etc.

Abstract: A spine stabilization system includes a flexible member attachable to a portion of the spinal column. The member includes components that are oriented and function similar to the natural fiber orientation of the anterior longitudinal ligament and annulus tissue. The use of components resist loading applied by extension and rotation of the spine, while the flexibility of the member does not subject it to the compressive loading of the spinal column segment to which it is attached.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the controlled delivery of therapeutic agents into bone and soft tissue to prevent the unintentional migration of therapeutic agents from the treatment site. The containment device can be made of a fabric or membrane that is porous, semi-porous, non-porous, bio-resorbable, or non-resorbable materials. A containment device is advanced to the interior of the target structure and filled with a therapeutic agent. The containment device may be permanently or temporarily implanted. Where permanent implantation is desired, the containment device may be detached via a severable junction.

Abstract: This invention provides a biodegradable and bioabsorbable implant material having a high mechanical strength wherein its shape after deformation within ordinary temperature range can be fixed and maintained so that its shape can be easily adjusted at the site of operation, and it has substantially no anisotropy in view of strength so that it does not cause whitening, breakage and sharp decrease in strength when its bending deformation is repeated in any direction and it has toughness.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for thermally and/or mechanically treating tissue, such as valvular structures, to reconfigure or shrink the tissue in a controlled manner. The apparatus comprises a catheter in communication with an end effector which induces a temperature rise in an annulus of tissue surrounding the leaflets of a valve or in the chordae tendineae sufficient to cause shrinkage, thereby causing the valves to close more tightly. Mechanical clips can also be implanted over the valve either alone or after the thermal treatment. The clips are delivered by a catheter and may be configured to traverse directly over the valve itself or to lie partially over the periphery of the valve to prevent obstruction of the valve channel. The clips can be coated with drugs or a radiopaque coating. The catheter can also incorporate sensors or energy delivery devices, e.g., transducers, on its distal end.

Abstract: Anatomically contoured anterior cervical plates with bone ingrowth surfaces, providing for intersegmental compressive preloading, and a rigid and locked interface to all of the bone screws, with those engaging the vertebrae deployed in highly convergent pairs. The bone screws have a tapered self-tapping leading end, an increasing root diameter with a generally constant outer diameter with a thread that is narrow and sharp throughout and an enlarged head portion capable of an interference fit to the receiving holes of the plate. Instrumentation consists of plate holders, a compression apparatus and a pilot hole forming device that interlocks with the plate. Methods for spinal compression and bone hole preparation are provided.

Abstract: Anatomically contoured anterior cervical plates with bone ingrowth surfaces, providing for intersegmental compressive preloading, and a rigid and locked interface to all of the bone screws, with those engaging the vertebrae deployed in highly convergent pairs. The bone screws have a tapered self-tapping leading end, an increasing root diameter with a generally constant outer diameter with a thread that is narrow and sharp throughout and an enlarged head portion capable of an interference fit to the receiving holes of the plate. Instrumentation consists of plate holders, a compression apparatus and a pilot hole forming device that interlocks with the plate. Methods for spinal compression and bone hole preparation are provided.

Abstract: A fastener system and procedure to secure a member in a medium. The system includes a tool to deliver both the member and a flowable, curable polymer onto, into or through the medium. The flowable polymer is injected into, through or around the member. As the flowable polymer cures, it acts as either a solid filler or as an adhesive to provide fixation for the member, or to enhance fixation of the member.

Abstract: A method of repairing a long bone having a defect is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) mechanically fixating the long bone or portions thereof; and (b) filling the defect with a biodegradable scaffold impregnated with growth factors and/or osteoprogenitor cells and awaiting for osteointegration to take place.

Abstract: An implant, particularly for the spinal column, comprises a plate having openings, bone-anchoring members capable of being accommodated in the openings and at least one split-ring capable of holding the members in the orifices. The split-ring can come into direct contact with the anchoring member or members to hold the member or members in the orifices.

Abstract: A vascular necrosis of the hip is a common disease that usually affects a young, active patient population. As the disease progresses the undermined structural integrity of the subchondral bone leads to articular collapse and subsequent osteoarthrosis. The ideal treatment is one that hinders or arrests the progression of the disease averting articular collapse and a joint replacement surgery. Several non-surgical and surgical procedures have been described to treat avascular necrosis: core decompression, osteotomies of the hip, non-vascularized and vascularized bone grafts. The purpose of this paper is to describe a surgical strategy that attempts to address the multiple factors involved in the progression of the disease: deficits in structural support, increased intraosseous pressure and the bone healing process.

Abstract: Anatomically contoured anterior cervical plates with bone ingrowth surfaces, providing for intersegmental compressive preloading, and a rigid and locked interface to all of the bone screws, with those engaging the vertebrae deployed in highly convergent pairs. The bone screws have a tapered self-tapping leading end, an increasing root diameter with a generally constant outer diameter with a thread that is narrow and sharp throughout and an enlarged head portion capable of an interference fit to the receiving holes of the plate. Instrumentation consists of plate holders, a compression apparatus and a pilot hole forming device that interlocks with the plate. Methods for spinal compression and bone hole preparation are provided.

Abstract: An artificial bone graft implant for use as a replacement for living bone material in surgical procedures requiring the use of bone graft material includes a body formed of a microporous material and configured to be implanted into a prepared site in a patient's bone tissue. The body has a center portion, an outer portion and a pair of opposed outer surfaces defining the body. The body has a small average pore size in the center portion that gradually changes to larger average pore size in the outer portion. The pore size of the center portion of the implant allows for a load bearing capacity similar to natural bone and the pore size of the outer portion of the implant allows for the ingrowth of bone tissue.

Abstract: A process for creating surface microporosity on a titanium (or other metal) medical device includes creating a surface oxide layer on the device; placing the device, which is connected to a negative terminal of an electrical power supply, into a calcium chloride bath; connecting the positive terminal of the power supply to an anode immersed in or containing calcium chloride thereby forming an electrolytic cell; passing current through the cell; removing the device from the bath; and cooling and rinsing the device to remove any surface salt. If necessary, the device is etched to remove metal oxide which may have formed during the cooling process. The resulting device has a microporous surface structure. Alternatively, only a designated surface portion of a medical device is made microporous, either by applying a non-oxidizing mask, removing a portion of the oxide layer, or subtracting a portion of a microporous surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for attaching a cranial flap (20) to a skull (10). The cranial flap (20) and the skull (10) are spaced apart by a kerf (22) defined by a first kerf edge (24) on the cranial flap and a second kerf edge (28) on the skull. The apparatus comprises at least one attachment device (30) made of a bioabsorbable polymeric material and having a head portion (40), a main body portion (32), and an end portion (50). The end portion (50) is deformable from an axially extending first condition to a radially extending second condition by heating the end portion and forming the end portion around the first kerf edge (24), which clamps the attachment device (30) to the cranial flap (20). The main body portion (32) includes a first surface portion (36) that attaches to the first kerf edge (24) and a second surface portion (38) that attaches to the second kerf edge (28).

Abstract: A surgical tissue fixation system is described, including: (1) a bioabsorbable tissue fixation plate having optionally a plurality of through-holes arranged in alternating relation along the plate; (2) bioabsorbable fasteners adapted for insertion into the through-holes to secure the plate to underlying bodily tissue or bone; and (3) an installation instrument which triggers (strikes or shoots) fasteners one after one, in rapid succession, into the through-holes made through the plate and into the underlying bodily tissue or bone, which also optionally includes drillholes.

Abstract: A method of fusing or welding bone in vivo and in a fluid medium, comprising: harvesting a piece of autologous implant bone; treating the implant bone and/or a receiving bone to expose organic component; treating the implant bone and/or the receiving bone by de-fatting; combining the implant bone with other compounds to create an interfacing agent; adding the interfacing agent between receiving bone segments to be fused or welded; and fusing or welding in vivo, in a fluid medium, utilizing electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: An injectable and moldable putty comprising biodegradable calcium-based compounds including calcium sulfate, hydroxyapatite, and tricalcium phosphate is invented. The putty hardens into a solid body when mixed with water, saline, serum, or other neutral aqueous solutions. The hardening time of the putty can be tailored in order to meet the specific requirements of various dental or orthopedic applications. The pH of the putty is neutral during and after mixing. The invented putty may be used as bone graft, bone implant, or implantable drug delivery device.

Abstract: A biocompatible medical implant has at least one part thereof composed of ceramic material with the formula NaxKyNbO3, wherein 0≦x≦0.8, 0.2≦y≦1, and x+y=1. The ceramic material can be polarized to give the implant spatially varying piezoelectric properties. Signals can be measured from the respective piezoelectric regions of the selectively polarized ceramic material to provide an indication of the degree of fixation of the implant to surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A dowel insertion tool includes a T-shaped handle and a hollow sleeve which extends distally from the T-shaped handle. A shaft extends from the handle through the hollow sleeve and includes a transverse extension. A rotatable knob having an annular channel positioned to receive the transverse extension is supported adjacent the handle. A pin is secured to the knob and extends into a helical camming channel formed in the sleeve. Upon rotation of the knob, the pin moves within the camming channel to move the knob longitudinally about the sleeve. Movement of the knob effects longitudinal movement of the shaft. A support plate is secured to the distal end of the shaft. A pair of prongs are slidably secured to the plate. Each of the prongs includes an enlarged head portion which is slidably positioned within a slot formed in the plate. A guide member is secured to the distal end of the sleeve. The guide member includes a pair of guide bores dimensioned to receive a distal end of the prongs.

Abstract: Anatomically contoured anterior cervical plates with bone ingrowth surfaces, providing for intersegmental compressive preloading, and a rigid and locked interface to all of the bone screws, with those engaging the vertebrae deployed in highly convergent pairs. The bone screws have a tapered self-tapping leading end, an increasing root diameter with a generally constant outer diameter with a thread that is narrow and sharp throughout and an enlarged head portion capable of an interference fit to the receiving holes of the plate. Instrumentation consists of plate holders, a compression apparatus and a pilot hole forming device that interlocks with the plate. Methods for spinal compression and bone hole preparation are provided.

Abstract: A composition or device suitable for orthopedic or dental implantation to bone, characterized by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) adsorbed to a porous hydroxyapatite substratum.

Abstract: A solid powder product with a Ca/P ratio of between 1.40 and 1.90 is prepared from tricalcium phosphate and tetracalcium phosphate. An aqueous solution containing calcium ions and phosphate ions with a Ca/P ratio higher than 0.20 and lower than 0.50 is prepared. The aqueous solution and the solid powder product and optionally water are mixed to obtain a mixture with a liquid/solid weight ratio of between 0.30 and 0.65 and a resulting paste with a Ca/P ratio of between 1.50 and 1.67.

Abstract: Devices, instrumentation, and surgical techniques are described for a more structured coupling of lamina to an alignment rod. A body having an aperture formed therethrough to receive the rod includes a mechanism to lock the body in place once a desired position and two or more holes to receive a cable wrapped around a lamina to be stabilized. A sleeve may also be provided over the cable where it wraps around the lamina to distribute the force of the cable against the bone to prevent damage. The mechanism to lock the body in place preferably includes a threaded fastener having an exposed proximal end for tightening and a distal end that bears against the rod. The body may be unitary, or provided in sections, one with the aperture and the other with the cable receiving holes, and with the two sections being rotatable relative to one another. At least one of the cable-receiving holes may also be flared or ring-shaped to facilitate a range of motion to avoid cable fatigue.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant has a porous surface with a plurality of pores, some of which are provided with a pores-within-a-pore structure. The pores-within-a-pore structure has a pore opening ranging in size between 10 and 800 microns. The present invention also discloses a process for making an orthopedic implant which is provided in the surface thereof with a pores-within-a-pore porous structure.

Abstract: Anatomically contoured anterior cervical plates with bone ingrowth surfaces, providing for intersegmental compressive preloading, and a rigid and locked interface to all of the bone screws, with those engaging the vertebrae deployed in highly convergent pairs. The bone screws have a tapered self-tapping leading end, an increasing root diameter with a generally constant outer diameter with a thread that is narrow and sharp throughout and an enlarged head portion capable of an interference fit to the receiving holes of the plate. Instrumentation consists of plate holders, a compression apparatus and a pilot hole forming device that interlocks with the plate. Methods for spinal compression and bone hole preparation are provided.

Abstract: A retainer member formed of bone secures tissue against movement relative to a portion of a bone in a patient's body. The retainer member is utilized to form an opening in a compact outer layer of a portion of the bone in the patient's body. The retainer member formed of bone is advantageously enclosed in a tubular member or sleeve to prevent breaking of the retainer member during the forming of the opening in the bone. The extent of movement of the retainer member into the bone in the patient's body is determined as the retainer member is moved into the bone. A suture may be connected with the retainer member and used to connect tissue with the bone. The retainer member may be positioned across a fracture in a bone to hold portions of the bone on opposite sides of the fracture against movement relative to each other. The retainer member may be used at a joint between end portions of bones to immobilize the joint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to orthopedic implants made from a mesh material. The mesh material can be treated in order to promote bone growth, to provide antibiotics, or to provide other beneficial treatment. Specific applications for the implants include, for example, a prosthetic ligament, a tension band, an interbody device, or a fixation device that extends across one or more joints or fractures.

Abstract: Selectively partially and demineralized bone-derived implants, their methods of preparation and use are provided. In one embodiment, a cranial void filler preferably having a T-shape formed of an upper mineralized cortical bone section and at least a partially demineralized lower section adapted to fill a cranial void is disclosed. In another embodiment, a plate preferably having a dog-bone-shape having mineralized and at least partially demineralized sections is disclosed. In a further embodiment, a unitary cord having a first mineralized section with a plurality of slits to provide flexibility and a second at least partially demineralized section is described. Also disclosed is an implant for laminoplasty having at least a partially demineralized section and a mineralized section. A method of forming an implant of demineralized fibers also is disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a biomaterial formed from a polymer comprising urethane groups, urea groups, or combinations thereof, and sacrificial moieties that preferentially oxidize relative to other moieties in the polymer.

Abstract: Coated implantable prosthetic devices are disclosed. The device is a prosthetic having a gold layer on the surface to which bioactive molecules are attached through a gold-sulfhydryl bond. The devices are easy and convenient to prepare. Gold coated implantable devices are also disclosed herein. The gold coated implantable device is a prosthetic device formed of a porous non-fabric material having a surface with projections and indentations and the gold layer on the surface of the porous non-fabric material forms a uniform layer across the material such that the gold layer also forms projections and indentations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and materials in combination for bonding screws to a fixation plate or to a skeletal bone using chemical means. The chemicals include solvents, glues, or bonding agents, which act to improve the strength of bone screw to plate or the bone screw to skeletal bone interface. Interface refers to the contact area between the bone screw and either the plate or skeletal bone. The fixation device usually comprises a plate with bone screws implanted within the human skeleton. The bone screw maintains the plate in contact with the bone or maintains another structure such as a tendon in contact with the bony skeleton. The chemical bonding is in addition to or in place of a mechanical means to bond the bone screw to the fixation plate or to the skeletal bone. It provides for added strength to the bone screw interface with a plate or skeletal bone, reducing the probability of screw loosening and or migration.

Abstract: Open chambered spacers, implanting tools and methods are provided. The spacers 500′ include a body 505′ having a wall 506′ which defines a chamber 530′ and an opening 531′ in communication with the chamber 530′. In one embodiment the wall 506′ includes a pair of arms 520′, 521′ facing one another and forming a mouth 525′ to the chamber 530′. Preferably, one of the arms 520′ is truncated relative to the other, forming a channel 526. In one aspect the body 505′ is a bone dowel comprising an off-center plug from the diaphysis of a long bone. The tools 800 include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means 820 includes a plate 821 extendable from the housing 805.

Abstract: A fastener for use in soft tissue repair includes a resorbable polymer or suture core having one or more collagen bands in surrounding relation to the core. The bands are expandable between a dehydrated state for insertion and a hydrated state for healing, and are dimensioned and positioned to bring two sides of a tear into apposition to promote healing of the tear. The fastener insertion method includes driving an elongated tube across the tear, inserting a fastener down the tube until it breaches the tear, and removing the tube, leaving the fastener in position to expand and promote healing of the tear.

Abstract: Anatomically contoured anterior cervical plates with bone ingrowth surfaces, providing for intersegmental compressive preloading, and a rigid and locked interface to all of the bone screws, with those engaging the vertebrae deployed in highly convergent pairs. The bone screws have a tapered self-tapping leading end, an increasing root diameter with a generally constant outer diameter with a thread that is narrow and sharp throughout and an enlarged head portion capable of an interference fit to the receiving holes of the plate. Instrumentation consists of plate holders, a compression apparatus and a pilot hole forming device that interlocks with the plate. Methods for spinal compression and bone hole preparation are provided.

Abstract: An orthopaedic bone plate includes a flexible bag having a plurality of through holes; and a hardened polymer within the bag. The bone plate is attached to a bone by placing the bag against the bone; affixing the bag to the bone using a plurality of fasteners which extend through the bag; injecting a polymer into the bag; and hardening the polymer in the bag.

Abstract: A prophylactic implant is provided for protecting osteoporosis-affected bone segments against fractures, in particular the neck of the femur, the vertebral column and the wrist. According to a proposed solution, the implant comprises a thin-walled hollow reinforcing body (1) having such a large number of passages (2) in its outer wall (3) that the ratio of the total area of the passages (2) to the total surface area is at least 1:2.