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 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: An adhesive composition for surgical use including an &agr;-cyanoacrylate adhesive composition with a polymer characteristic for biodegrading and bioabsorbing the adhesive into the body of a living organism. It is preferred that the polymer is a co-polymer of DL-lactic acid and &egr;-caprolactone or a co-polymer of DL-lactic acid, ethylene glycol and &egr;-caprolactone, or a co-polymer of ethylene glycol and &egr;-caprolactone.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing osteoinductive bone using a controlled-flow apparatus. The present apparatus allows for the controlled extraction of undesirable constituents from a body tissue. The present invention provides for the demineralization of ground bone particles or pieces of cancellous or cortical bone which permits the controlled and reproducible demineralization of bone to produce bone which is maximally osteoinductive. It has been demonstrated that ground cadaveric bone which is demineralized to a residual calcium level approximating 2% by dry weight of bone is optimally osteoinductive as assayed using in vivo and in vitro assays of osteoinductivity. The present controlled-flow apparatus includes one or more solution containers which supply solutions to be pumped into one or more vessels filled with tissue samples to be extracted. Solvent outflowing from the vessels can be monitored for pH, calcium ion concentration or conductivity as a basis for determining when extraction is complete.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable material such as a terpolymer of poly-(L-lactide/D-lactide/glycolide). The material may consist of 85 molar percent L-lactide, 5 molar percent D-lactide, and 10 molar percent glycolide. The material may have a heat of fusion of about 15-25 J/G, tensile strength retention at 26 weeks of incubation of at least about 50%, and tensile strength retention at 52 weeks of incubation of at most about 25%. The material may be used in implantable devices such as bone fixation devices.

Abstract: The present invention is a medical implant or device fabricated, in any manner, from a niobium (Nb)—titanium (Ti)—zirconium (Zr)—Molybdenum (Mo) alloy (NbTiZrMo alloy). The implant or device has components at least partially fabricated from a metal alloy comprising a) between about 29 and 70 weight percent Nb; b) between about 10 and 46 weight percent Zr; c) between about 3 and 15 weight percent Mo; and a balance of titanium. The inventive alloy provides for a uniform beta structure which is corrosion resistant, and can be readily processed to develop high-strength and low-modulus, with the ability for conversion oxidation or nitridization surface hardening of the medical implant or device.

Abstract: A highly porous three-dimensional biodegradable poly(organophosphazene) matrix with hydrolytically unstable side chains is prepared and used as a scaffold for the growth of osteoblast cells. In a preferred embodiment, the poly(organophosphazene) includes between 10 and 90% hydrolytically unstable side chains including glucosyl, glyceryl, glyceryl, imidazolyl or ethoxy units, for example, poly[(methylphenoxy)(ethyl glycinato) phosphazene]. The addition of the glucosyl, glycinyl or glyceryl side chains to the polymer can also be used generally to enhance growth rates of cells adhered to the polymer, presumably through uptake and metabolism of the simple sugar or alcohol units.

Abstract: An osteosynthetic implant for a mechanical connection of fractured elements, made of a polymeric biodegradable base material, for use in reconstructive osteosynthesis. An active ingredient assists the regeneration of bone tissue in a fracture area and acts together with the implant to assist growth in the fracture area, so that the mechanical load-bearing capability of the healing fracture increases faster or at least as fast as the load-bearing capability biodegradable implant decreases when decomposing.

Abstract: A bone plating system for the internal stabilization of a fractured bone is disclosed. The system includes a bone plate having a plurality of conical plate holes tapering toward a bone contact surface and at least two bone screws for anchoring the bone plate to a bone. The screws have a conical head with a textured or structured lateral outside surface which is greater in hardness than the portion of the bone plate which is proximal to the plate holes. The present system provides positive locking between the screw heads and the plate holes.

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 substrate is rendered highly lubricious and wettable, by treating the substrate so that it becomes amine-functionalized, and chemically joining an aldonic acid to amine groups on the substrate. In the preferred embodiment, the chemical joining is performed with the aid of a coupling agent, such as a water-soluble carbodiimide, the coupling agent participating in the reaction which joins the aldonic acid to the amine groups, and which forms a residue that can be discarded. The coupling agent makes it possible to perform the process at room temperature. The method can be used to coat articles such as contact lenses, intra-ocular lenses, or other devices which are intended to be temporarily or permanently implanted in the body. The method can also be used in other fields, such as in coating of goggles, windshields, and other objects.

Abstract: A bone connective prosthesis and method of forming same comprising the addition of a biocompatible plasticizer to a PMMA film and/or bone cement, which preferably copolymerizes with the PMMA film and/or bone cement. Preferably, this plasticizer comprises the FDA approved, biocompatible hydrophilic monomer known as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (commonly referred to as "HEMA") and its associated water. HEMA has the ability to absorb water. An important feature of this invention is that this ability to absorb water results in a measurable and controllable plasticization.In one embodiment of the present invention, the plasticizer (HEMA and its associated water) copolymerizes with the PMMA film to form a PMMA/HEMA coating which is preferably used as a coating on a bone prosthesis. In a further embodiment, the plasticizer (HEMA and its associated water) copolymerizes with a PMMA base bone cement to form a PMMA/HEMA bone cement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant for use in the human body, an implant substrate being coated with a material which contains chemical compounds between one or more metals (M) of group IV A of the periodic system, nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O), 2 to 45% of the volume in the coating material being formed by voids whose sizes range from (0.4 nm).sup.3 to (50 nm).sup.3, and the remaining volume having a composition of a metal of group IV A of the periodic system to nitrogen to oxygen of 1:(0.1 to 1.7):(0.1 to 1.7), a material having formula MN.sub.x O.sub.y (wherein x,y=0.1-1.7) resulting.The invention also relates to the use of this implant for implantation into the animal or human body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bone screw cap or stopper, comprising a shank (5) that fits closely to the outer contour of the head (2) of the screw and means (4) for detachably connecting the cap or stopper to the bone screw (1). Especially this stopper comprises an extended shank whose section is at least as large as the largest sectional part of the bone screw, and the length of the extended shank is preferably such that the end of the stopper remote from the bone screw extends to the subcutis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of enhancing the biocompatibility of a substrate by providing the substrate with a continuous bio-active surface coating. This method includes applying to the substrate a first coating which includes an aqueous dispersion or emulsion of a polymer containing an organic acid functional group and an excess of a polyfunctional cross-linking agent which is reactive with the organic acid groups of the polymer. A continuous bio-active surface coating is then formed over the dried first coating by applying thereover a bio-active agent containing an organic acid functional group or metal salt thereof. The first and second coatings are then dried to covalently bond the organic acid functional groups of the bio-active agent to the polymer through the excess unreacted polyfunctional cross-linking agent.

Abstract: A fastener for securing an osteosynthesis plate to a plurality of bone segments is provided. The fastener in the form of a fastener blank includes an elongated shank adapted for insertion through an opening in the plate and into a hole formed in the bone. The upper end of the shank forms a head that serves to secure the plate to the bone. The elongated shank is constructed of a material which when heated will deform to form a tight fit within the hole drilled in the bone. The fastener is preferably made of a resorbable material. The invention also provides a method for securing a plate to a bone using the fasteners of the invention. A fastener blank is positioned into the hole so that a portion of the blank extends into the hole provided in the bone and another portion overlies the plate. The blank is heated to raise the temperature of the blank above the transition temperature of the material from which it is made and deform the blank into a tight fit within the hole.

Abstract: A carvable implant material for use in surgery and especially in plastic and reconstructive surgery. At least two layers of porous PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) sheet material are laminated together by an adhesive placed between the adjacent layers of porous PTFE sheet material. Alternatively, a plurality of discrete pieces of porous PTFE may be adhered together by an adhesive. The presence of the adhesive provides a significant increase in stiffness and hence in carvability beyond that possible in a single layer of porous PTFE without the adhesive. Preferred adhesives are thermoplastic fluoropolymers of lower crystalline melt temperature than PTFE, such as FEP or PFA.

Abstract: Surgical devices such as implants or suture fastenings are assembled from a plurality of discrete components, one of which components includes a heat bondable plastic material for bonding the components together. At least two components are bonded to each other by the applying heat to the heat bondable plastic material of one component. The heat bondable plastic material is preferably a polymeric or composite material suitable for surgical applications and implantation in humans, and may be a biodegradable material. A laser may be used as the heat source. The present invention is advantageously embodied in heat bonded fastenings for sutures or K-wires, in which a variety of different suture anchors are usable, including expandable distal suture anchors.

Abstract: An interference screw is provided by machining a fragment of autograft or allograft cortical bone from a donor or from a recipient's amputated bone. The interference screw has a cortical surface into which a self-tapping thread is machined. The interference screw has a machined pointed, rounded or flush end and an opposite machined end which mates with a drive means, and has advantages over conventional interference screws known in the art in that subsequent to implantation, no residual hardware that must later be removed remains at the implant site.

Abstract: A method for internal fixation of vertebra of the spine to facilitate graft fusion includes steps for excising the nucleus of an affected disc, preparing a bone graft, instrumenting the vertebrae for fixation, and introducing the bone graft into the resected nuclear space. Disc resection is conducted through two portals through the annulus, with one portal supporting resection instruments and the other supporting a viewing device. The fixation hardware is inserted through small incisions aligned with each pedicle to be instrumented. The hardware includes bone screws, fixation plates, engagement nuts, and linking members. In an important aspect of the method, the fixation plates, engagement nuts and linking members are supported suprafascially but subcutaneously so that the fascia and muscle tissue are not damaged. The bone screw is configured to support the fixation hardware above the fascia.

Abstract: A layer of material is interposed between a metallic texture coating and the substrate of a component of a prosthetic implant, the layer being bonded to the substrate and, in turn, receiving the metallic texture coating so as to deter propagation of fatigue-induced cracks from the metallic texture coating into the substrate.

Abstract: A biodegradable device for repairing torn meniscal cartilage comprising a shaft and tissue gripping means at both ends. One end is adapted to pierce the tissue and the opposite end is adapted to fit a driver. The central portion of the device is essentially smooth along its length. The device has been subjected to a drawing operation after fabrication leaving the molecules in the shaft in a higher state of residual stress. When the device is exposed to an aqueous environment, the water absorbed by the polymer lowers the glass transition temperature of the polymer. Lowering glass transition temperature allows increased molecular mobility causing the device to contract. The contraction pulls the torn tissues into close apposition during healing. As the tissue heals, the tension is released by the polymer resorbing.

Abstract: A calcium phosphate cement and a calcium phosphate cement composition are disclosed. The calcium phosphate cement comprises a calcium phosphate powder having an average particle diameter of 20 .mu.m or smaller and a tap density of 35% or higher, and a polysaccharide. The polysaccharide is preferably a dextran sulfate (e.g., dextran sulfate sodium) having an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 100 .mu.m. The calcium phosphate cement composition comprises the above specific calcium phosphate powder and a liquid for cement mixing comprising an aqueous solution containing 30 to 60 wt % dextran sulfate (e.g., dextran sulfate sodium or dextran sulfate potassium). The calcium phosphate powder preferably comprises a tetracalcium phosphate powder and an equimolar amount of a calcium hydrogen phosphate powder as main components.

Abstract: A system and method for shimming a hole drilled in a bone for the insertion of an orthopedic screw. The system includes a sleeve with an elongated sleeve shaped body having an external surface and an internal surface, a first end, a mid portion, and a second end. The mid portion of the body is made from woven fibers that are free to move relative to one another and being woven in a crisscrossing spiral arrangement along the sleeve shaped body. The first end of the body includes an opening that can accept a rod. The second end of the body is smaller than the first end of the body, so that the first end of the sleeve shaped body may be inserted into the hole with the aid of the rod, and so that when the orthopedic screw is inserted into the elongated sleeve the woven fibers of the body will move relative to one other to accommodate the orthopedic screw and take up any space between the screw and the hole.

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 tears and removing the tube, leaving the fastener in position to expand and promote healing of the tear.

Abstract: A method of providing biocompatible surface texturing on a metal component of an implantable device and the device so produced. The coating is provided by applying particles of metal falling substantially entirely in the range of 1 to 5 microns to a surface of said component to provide a layer of generally uniform thickness and sintering said particles to one another and to said component to provide a generally continuous external surface having surface texturing in the form of projections formed from said sintered particles. The particles are preferably applied to a depth of 1 to 25 microns. In a preferred embodiment particles of titanium are applied to a surface of a titanium component.

Abstract: A foil or membrane for covering bone defect locations and for promoting bone regeneration, comprised of titanium and which is inelastic, stress-free and plastically deformable. The foil has a thickness of less than 0.1 mm. The thickness lies especially in a range of 0.025 mm. It is advantageously roughened at least on one surface or grooved. Cut pieces have a cut burr which projects from one surface and in the use of the foil, turned to the bone with sealing edges. A method of making such a foil with the aforesaid characteristics comprises a removal of the surfaces of the rolled foil by a chemical foil until the desired thickness is reached. A nail for fixing the foil in position has a spherical shaped head and in its concavity merges with a saw-tooth barbed pin with a radius.

Abstract: A flowable, paste-like composition capable of setting in a clinically relevant period of time into an antimicrobial agent loaded apatitic product having sufficient compressive strength to serve as a cancellous bone structural material is provided. The subject compositions are prepared by combining dry ingredients with a physiologically acceptable lubricant and an antimicrobial agent, where the dry ingredients comprise at least two different calcium phosphates. The subject compositions find use in a variety of different applications, including orthopaedic, dental and cranio-maxillofacial applications.

Abstract: Sterile bone fixation devices, such as bone screws, pins, anchors and plates, fabricated from bone tissue and the method of making such devices.

Abstract: A medical device such as a stent, surgical staple, bone anchoring device or bone fixation device, intended to be deployed within the body, composes a shape memory alloy (SMA) portion with an austenitic and unaustenitic state with different memorized configurations in each of these states. The SMA which is initially in an initial configuration in which it can be placed into position within the body, can be mechanically deformed into an operational configuration in which it remains deployed within the body.