Abstract: A method and apparatus for tendon repair includes an elongated member of a generally tubular shape having two barbed sections with oppositely directed barbs and a middle portion between the barbed sections. The barbs are cut from the tubular body leaving a mesh-like body of interconnected struts. The middle portion is also formed of interconnected struts. A needle and suture is connected at both opposite ends of the elongated member and used to pull the barbed sections into respective ends of a severed tendon. The barbs bite into the tendon tissue to hold the ends together. The sutures are preferably cut off at the tendon surface at a location spaced from the rejoined ends. One or more of the tendon repair devices may be used to repair each tendon, optionally with perimeter stitching at the rejoined ends.

Abstract: A graft ligament anchor comprises a ligament engagement member in the form of an expandable elastomeric sleeve of substantially cylindrical shape for disposition in an opening in a bone alongside of a portion of a ligament, and a locking member for disposition in the engagement member . Movement of the locking member in the engagement member causes the locking member to expand the engagement member and thereby urge, the ligament toward a wall of the opening so as to secure the ligament to the wall. A method for attaching a graft ligament to a bone comprises providing an opening in the bone, inserting the ligament and a ligament engagement member in the opening, with the ligament disposed alongside the engagement member, inserting a locking member in the engagement member and moving the locking member to engage the engagement member to urge the engagement member, and the ligament, toward a wall of the opening to secure the ligament to the wall.

Abstract: A system for attaching soft tissue to bone includes an anchor, a suture, and a tissue retainer. The anchor may have a threaded tip that engages the bone, and a suture retention portion with passageways arranged such that each of first and second anchor portions of the suture can be drawn through the passageways along only a single direction. The tissue retainer has passageways through which the suture can freely move in either direction. Thus, the anchor and the tissue retainer may be attached to bone and tissue, respectively, and the suture may be drawn to substantially irreversibly draw the bone and tissue together. In alternative embodiments, an anchor may receive only one portion of suture and/or one suture end may be affixed to the anchor. The anchor may alternatively permit free motion of the suture, while the tissue retainer permits passage of the suture along only one direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a surgical repair may involve the use of a guide to form a passageway through the body portion, such as bone. In addition, or alternately, the guide may be used to provide a suture or suture-like material through a passageway, e.g., to secure to a material relative to the body portion. The passageway may be formed by first and second intersecting holes formed in the body portion. Both ends of a suture may be positioned in the passageway, and be secured relative to the body portion near one of the openings into the passageway. A straightened pathway between the first and second openings of the passageway may be formed, e.g., using a flossing operation.

Abstract: A plurality of supplemental femoral tunnels are formed to provide a basis for suture material fixation of graft tissue/material over cortical bone as replacement or compliment to implants; forming a plurality of supplemental tibial and femoral tunnels connecting with the commonly created tibial and femoral tunnels to provide a basis for suture material fixation of graft tissue/material over cortical bone as replacement or compliment to implants. Inserting the first end of a strand of suture material through the tibial and femoral tunnels and then through each supplemental femoral tunnel. The other end of each of each strand of suture materials is attached to a graft. Another set of strands of suture material is attached to the opposite end of the graft and through the supplemental tibial tunnels. The strands of suture material are pulled graft into the tunnels wherein the graft is positioned in the tibia and femoral tunnels for healing.

Abstract: A method of securing a tissue graft within a bone passage includes providing a graft fixation member comprising a closed double-loop having a pair of differently sized loop sections and capturing both sections of the closed-loop within the fixation member. The longer loop section is passed through an opening in the tissue graft then is passed through the smaller loop and thrown over the fixation member to form a knot.

Abstract: A pliable bone restorative having an osteoconductive foam that at least partially surrounds a biocompatible mesh and the foam comprises a biocompatible, resorbable polymer and calcium phosphate.

Abstract: Methods of changing a phenotype of a cell are provided. The methods comprise increasing an amount of an amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to an amino acid sequence encoding an LMP protein or a fragment thereof in a cell. The cells may be contacted by either a composition comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the amino acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to the amino acid sequence encoding an LMP or its fragment or by a composition comprising acid sequence which is at least 70% identical to the amino acid sequence encoding an LMP or its fragment or any combination thereof. The cells may be contacted either in vivo or ex-vivo.

Abstract: A system for forming a tendon-bone graft. The system can include at least one support that is adapted to support the tendon-bone graft. The system can further include at least one clamp that is adapted to engage the tendon-bone graft to clamp the tendon-bone graft to the at least one support. The system can also include at least one cutting member that is operable to resect the tendon-bone graft. The at least one cutting member or the at least one support can be moveable relative to the other of the at least one cutting member or the at least one support to resect the tendon-bone graft.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is processed dermis graft for use in orthopedic surgical procedures. Specifically exemplified herein is a processed dermis graft comprising one or more bone blocks having a groove cut into the surface thereof, wherein said groove is sufficient to accommodate a fixation screw. Also disclosed is a method of processing dermis that results in a dermis derived implant suitable to replace a tendon or ligament in a recipient in need thereof. Other compositions and applications of a dermis derived implant, and methods of manufacture and use, are disclosed.

Abstract: A ligament incorporated into a prosthetic joint exhibiting a plasticized, elongated and deformable material. A fibrous material is internally disposed within the deformable material, the fibrous material terminating in first and second enlarged bead portions arranged in proximity to enlarged pocket defined ends associated with the deformable materials. First and second bones define a joint region therebetween, the deformable end pockets and bead portions being inserted through associated holes defined in joint proximate locations associated with the bones, so that actuation of a projection location of the fibrous material causes the bead portions to outwardly deflect the end pockets, resulting in the ligaments being anchored in place between the bones.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing a knee ligament and for performing a tibial osteotomy on the knee in a single procedure, the method comprising: forming a bone tunnel through the tibia at a location appropriate for the ligament reconstruction, disposing a graft ligament in the bone tunnel, and securing the graft ligament in the bone tunnel, and forming a wedge-like opening in the bone at a location appropriate for the tibial osteotomy, positioning an osteotomy implant in the wedge-like opening in the bone, and securing the osteotomy implant in the wedge-like opening in the bone; wherein the osteotomy implant is secured in the wedge-like opening in the bone with a fastener which extends through the implant and into the bone tunnel.

Abstract: In general, the present invention is related to collagen compositions and thin films, and to methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to “uniaxial pattern” or “linear pattern” collagen materials, compositions and thin films, and methods of making.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for re-attaching the labrum of a hip joint.

Abstract: Artificial contractile tissue including a structure (b,f) and several fibers (a,g) of variable length which are fixed at their ends to the structure (b,f). The fibers (a,g) are made of a contractile material which can be activated by an activator in such a way as to provide a tissue in a rest or in an activated position, the rest position being defined with non-rectilinear fibers (a,g) and the activated position being defined with fibers (a,g) of reduced length; the transition from the rest towards the activated position or vice-versa being defined by a fiber movement along a lateral direction which is perpendicular with respect to the fiber length.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to orthopedic implants for reconstruction of severed, ruptured, or damaged ligaments. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved elastic replacement ligament made from metallic wires in a braided construction for replacement of a natural ligament of the body such as the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee.

Abstract: Method for production of a prosthetic ligament (1), for the replacement of a natural joint ligament, having a global cylindrical form and including a medial intra-articular section (3) between two intra-osseous end parts (2). The method includes a step of the rolling or folding on itself of a web of synthetic polymer fibers, followed by a step of installation of a traction thread (5) to each of the ends (4) of the ligament (1), then a step of placing a tip (6) on the ends (5), characterized in that the placing of the tip (6) includes producing a radial ligature (60) of the ligament (1) provided with the traction threads (5), by of a ligature thread (7).

Abstract: Disclosed are biocompatible implants that combine a scaffold material for supporting long term repair of a soft tissue with an elongated member such as a suture for aiding in placement of the scaffold during a surgical procedure as well as for immediate mechanical reinforcement of a repair site. The components of an implant are combined such that a longitudinal load placed upon a composite structure can be borne primarily by the elongated member and the scaffold material is isolated from the longitudinal load. Thus, the scaffold material of a composite can be protected from damage due to applied loads and stresses during and following a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A knitted prosthetic device has at least two knitted sections, where each knitted section has at least one row of fiber. The knitted prosthetic device also has at least one intra-articular section disposed between the at least two knitted sections. In addition, the at least one intra-articular section has at least one single continuous fiber traversing the at least one intra-articular section and the at least two knitted sections, where the at least one single continuous fiber forms a plurality of traverses extending between the at least two knitted sections. In particular, embodiments may be used as ligament prostheses by anchoring each of the at least two knitted sections to a bone section of a patient. Such embodiments may be constructed from a strong polymer, preferably, but not limited to, silk, where the polymer provides ligament support but bioresorbs as load bearing responsibilities are transferred to tissue resulting from in-growth.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a prosthetic anchor (36) including a central layer (1) through which embedded fibers (2), such as artificial tendons, pass in defined pathways (4), a ‘deep’ surface membrane (7) which interfaces with a hard structure, whether that is a prosthesis, a bone, or other hard tissue, and a ‘superficial’ surface membrane (8) which interfaces adjacent tissue and may be configured to adhere or not to adhere to that tissue. The central layer (1) is positioned intermediate the surface membranes (7, 8) which are mechanically and/or adherently attached thereto. Also, non-limiting examples of methods of fabrication and of affixing the anchor (36) to a relatively rigid structure, natural or prosthetic, in a human or animal body with improved stress distribution in the fixed tension member end are taught.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for forming a connective tissue construct, such as a tendon construct, in vitro. A substrate is provided with at least two anchors secured thereto in spaced relationship. Fibroblast cells are provided on the substrate in the absence of a synthetic matrix, where at least some of the cells are in contact with the anchors. The cells are cultured in vitro under conditions to allow the cells to self-organize and become confluent between the anchors, where the anchors are receptive to the cells and allow the cells to attach thereto while permitting the cells to detach from the substrate to form a three-dimensional connective tissue construct.

Abstract: The disclosure describes implantable bioprosthesis having an implantable construct with a multi-fiber array of collagen fibers attached together.

Abstract: The present technology is related to the field of bone-tendon-bone implants, grafts, and components thereof, for implantation in mammals, particularly for implantation in humans. More particularly, the present technology relates to assembled implants that comprise a length of tendon and at least two bone components or intermediate bone blocks that are assembled to form a bone-tendon-bone implant, and methods of making such implants. In some embodiments, implants of the present technology provide a first grip on the tendon prior to implantation and a second grip during or after implantation. In some embodiments, bone block assemblies or intermediate bone blocks of the present technology have a first geometric configuration prior to implantation and a second geometric configuration during or after implantation.

Abstract: An implant and method for the repair of a tendon or a ligament along at least one load direction. The implant includes at least one first anchor portion and at least one tension member oriented along a load direction. The first anchor portion preferably has a larger surface area of engagement with the tendon or ligament to spread loads across more tissue. The tension member is preferably secured to the first anchor portion with an overlapping attachment. Tension on the tension member is preferably adjustable by the surgeon.

Abstract: This invention is generally directed to methods and materials for connective tissue repair. The invention is more specifically related to methods and materials for the repair of tendons and ligaments, especially in the hand. Methods and materials for rotator cuff repair are also disclosed. The use of extraoperatively obtained scaffolding matrices is promoted when reapproximating the connective tissue.

Abstract: The disclosure describes methods of making high-strength NDGA collagen and associated methods of preparing collagen preparatory material and medical bioprostheses.

Abstract: This invention relates to a kit for an intervertebral connection system comprising an intervertebral motion disc and a ligament having: i) a central portion, ii) first and second end portions, and iii) first and second conformable portions.

Abstract: An intervertebral connection system having a fabric-based conformable ligament is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A graft ligament anchor comprises a graft ligament engagement member disposed in an opening in a bone, the graft ligament engagement member being arranged to receive a graft ligament alongside the engagement member, and a locking member for disposition in the opening, and at least in part engageable with the graft ligament engagement member. Movement of the locking member in the opening causes the locking member to urge the engagement member, and the graft ligament therewith, toward a wall of the opening, to secure the graft ligament to the wall of the opening.

Abstract: A graft ligament for cross-pinning in a bone tunnel, the ligament comprising a tendon having first, second and third portions in series along the length thereof. The first and third portions are provided with cross-sectional thicknesses less than the cross-sectional thickness of the second portion. The tendon first and third portions are folded over and attached to the second portion to provide a graft ligament having a substantially uniform thickness along the length thereof.

Abstract: A graft fixation device, system and method are disclosed for reconstruction or replacement of a ligament or tendon preferably wherein a soft tissue graft or a bone-tendon-bone graft is received and implanted in a bone tunnel. The graft fixation system includes a fixation device comprising a threaded body which is rotatably connected to a graft interface member. One embodiment of the implant/graft interface member includes an enclosed loop for holding a soft tissue graft. Another embodiment of the interface member includes a bone cage comprising a cage bottom and removable cage top to hold a bone block at one end of a bone-tendon-bone (BTB) graft. An additional embodiment of the interface member includes a one-piece bone cage which may be crimped or stapled to a bone block. The fixation device holds a graft in centered axial alignment in a bone tunnel.

Abstract: A method of repairing a bone joint by using a simple and flexible artificial ligament which easily conforms to a patient's anatomy and can be used independently or in combination with an intervertebral graft, implant or prosthesis to return stability to the spine subsequent to a surgical spine procedure, is disclosed. The method includes anchoring the artificial ligament to at least two vertebrae to aid in restoring stability to the compromised joint. The artificial ligament is also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant is described for surgical implantation in a hand of a patient comprising an elongate flexible member (24; 32; 51) for passing snugly around a surgically exposed bone (21) of the hand, the elongate flexible member (24; 32; 51) having first and second end portions (25, 27; 35, 36; 54, 55) at opposite ends thereof, the first end portion (25; 35; 54) of the elongate flexible member (24; 32; 51) being provided with slot defining means (26; 34; 56) defining a slot for receipt of the second end portion (27; 36; 55) of the elongate flexible member (24; 32; 51), and locking means (-; -; 65) to secure the second end portion (27; 36; 55) to the first end portion (25; 35; 54) after insertion of the second end portion (27; 36; 55) in the slot.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spinal facet joint ligament.

Abstract: An innovative bone anchor and methods for securing soft tissue, such as tendons, to bone, which permit a suture attachment that lies entirely beneath the cortical bone surface. Advantageously, the suturing material between the soft tissue and the bone anchor is secured without the need for tying a knot. The suture attachment to the bone anchor involves the looping of a length of suture around a pulley within the bone anchor, tightening the suture and attached soft tissue, and compressing the suture against the bone anchor. The bone anchor may be a tubular body having a lumen with a locking plug that compresses the suture therein. The pulley may be a pin located near a distal end of the tubular body around which the length of suture is looped. Alternatively, a pulley may be a bridge portion of the tubular body between two spaced apertures in the wall of the body. The locking plug may include a shaft and an enlarged head that interferes with the tubular body to provide a positive stop.

Abstract: An intervertebral disk prosthesis in a preferred embodiment has a matrix of bioincorporable fabric, and a nuclear core centrally mixed into the matrix. The core is formed by impregnating the fabric substrate centrally with a polymer, preferably of liquid form that cures into a viscoelastic solid, in which each component—polymer and fabric—reinforces the other against tearing, shearing and weakening under stress. The core is a hybrid composite adapted for elastic deformation centrally of the matrix, in which the polymer is mixed with the fabric, and is surrounded by the outer bioincorporable fabric margin of the matrix. In another embodiment, the nuclear core is separated from an outer sheath of the bioincorporable fabric by an intermediate ligament encasement that surrounds the purely polymeric core In either embodiment, each edge of the outer fabric that interfaces a vertebral end plate is impregnated with an agent to stimulate osseus incorporation and anchoring.

Abstract: The present invention makes available an optimal concentration of a hedgehog polypeptide for modulating growth and/or cartilage production by chondrocytes. The present invention allows for improvements in the culturing of chondrocytes to develop cartilaginous tissue ex vivo suitable for implantation to replace damaged or deteriorated cartilage in a patient.

Abstract: A valve repair device and method of repair for the mitral valve of the heart is disclosed. The valve repair device includes a leaflet portion, a muscle portion, and a plurality of chords connecting the leaflet portion to the muscle portion. The valve repair device is attached to the diseased valve by suturing the leaflet portion to the affected leaflet and suturing the muscle portion to the affected muscle. The leaflet portion and muscle portion are constructed of cloth made from expanded polytetraflouroethylene. The chords are sutures also constructed from expanded polytetraflouroethylene. The suture position for the muscle portion is determined by positioning the valve repair device adjacent to a normal marginal chord. The valve repair device may be employed to repair the anterior leaflet or posterior leaflet of the mitral valve.

Abstract: A tendon graft stripping device for use in removing the muscle attachments to a tendon while the tendon is being prepared for use as a graft during ligament and tendon reconstruction surgery is disclosed. The muscle stripping device is made from a metal or plastic block having multiple slots therein. The multiple slots, which are of various diameters and have a circular or rectangular shape, are inter-connected by much smaller grooves to allow the passage of a tendon to be stripped through the different diameter size slots.

Abstract: A graft ligament anchor comprises a graft ligament engagement member disposed in an opening in a bone, the graft ligament engagement member being arranged to receive a graft ligament alongside the engagement member, and a locking member for disposition in the opening, and at least in part engageable with the graft ligament engagement member. Movement of the locking member in the opening causes the locking member to urge the engagement member, and the graft ligament therewith, toward a wall of the opening, to secure the graft ligament to the wall of the opening.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing a ligament. In one form of the invention, there is disclosed a method for securing a graft ligament in a bone tunnel, the method comprising the steps of: (1) forming a first bone tunnel in a bone, and forming a second bone tunnel in the same bone, the second bone tunnel being transverse to, and intersecting, the first bone tunnel; (2) positioning a flexible member in the second transverse bone tunnel so that the flexible member extends across the first bone tunnel, and positioning the graft ligament in the first bone tunnel, independently of the flexible member, so that the graft ligament is looped over the flexible member; and (3) positioning a crosspin over the flexible member and in the second transverse bone tunnel so that the graft ligament is looped over, and may be supported by, the crosspin.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of stabilizing glycosaminoglycans in a biological tissue (e.g. a bioprosthetic implant) in conjunction with cross-linking of protein in the tissue. The methods of the invention improve the mechanical integrity of the device and improves its stability in vivo. The invention also includes biological tissues having stabilized glycosaminoglycans and cross-linked proteins and kits for preparing such tissues.

Abstract: A matrix, including epithelial basement membrane, for inducing repair of mammalian tissue defects and in vitro cell propagation derived from epithelial tissues of a warm-blooded vertebrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fixation of a soft tissue graft. The apparatus may include a member having a first surface and a second surface. Each of the surfaces extend a distance relative to one another. A member is operable to resist movement of the apparatus relative to an anatomical portion. An interference member may be provided to fixedly associate the apparatus with the anatomical structure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for reconstructing a ligament. The method includes the steps of forming a first bone tunnel and a second bone tunnel transverse to, and intersecting one another; positioning a closed loop of a flexible member within the first bone tunnel and a portion of the second bone tunnel such that the closed loop extends out of the first bone tunnel and the second bone tunnel, parting the closed loop outside the second bone tunnel so as to create a first free end and a second free end, passing the second free end through the opposite end of the second bone tunnel, positioning the graft ligament over a portion of the flexible member extending out of the first opening; and pulling the flexible member so as to draw the graft ligament into the bone tunnel intersection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bone fixation device of the type useful for connecting soft tissue or tendon to bone or for connecting two or more bones or bone fragments together. The device comprises an elongate body having a distal anchor thereon. A proximal anchor is axially movably disposed with respect to the distal anchor, to accommodate different bone dimensions and permit appropriate tensioning of the fixation device.

Abstract: A graft preparation board that enables an exact tensioning of soft tissue grafts. The graft preparation board allows the amount of tensile load to be easily determined so that the operator can precisely control the amount of tension to be applied. The graft preparation board also enables higher tensions to be placed on graft tissues to be used in surgery.

Abstract: Methods of repairing a joint formed by at least two bone sections are provided wherein a biocompatible osteogenic band fabricated from an osteogenic biological material such as bone, tendon, ligament and collagen is affixed to two or more bone sections.

Abstract: The device for conditioning an organic ligament to be implanted, in particular a ligament as a cruciate ligament replacement, is equipped with first and second receiving elements for receiving and tensioning the ligament at two spaced locations. The first receiving elements is connected to means for the periodic translatory adjustment of the first receiving element with respect to the ligament.

Abstract: In order to facilitate insertion and reduce movement of the tendon replacement part in the channel in an implant for fastening of a tendon replacement part to a channel receiving the tendon replacement part in the region of the tibia and/or femur close to the knee, with an abutment element abutting against the channel and with a connecting element, wherein the tendon replacement part and the abutment element may be coupled by means of the connecting element, it is proposed that the abutment element and the connecting element defining a longitudinal direction are configured and reconciled with one another such that the tendon replacement part is fixable in the channel by relative movement between the abutment element and the connecting element in longitudinal direction.