Abstract: The present invention relates to biocompatible, biodegradable polyurethane/urea polymeric compositions that are capable of in-vivo curing with low heat generation to form materials suitable for use in scaffolds in tissue engineering applications such as bone and cartilage repair. The polymers are desirably flowable and injectable and can support living biological components to aid in the healing process. They may be cured ex-vivo for invasive surgical repair methods, or alternatively utilized for relatively non-invasive surgical repair methods such as by arthroscope. The invention also relates to prepolymers useful in the preparation of the polymeric compositions, and to methods of treatment of damaged tissue using the polymers of the invention.

Abstract: Prosthetic knee menisci to be implanted in place of deteriorated native menisci to prevent damage to the articular cartilage of the femoral and tibial condyles and to arrest the progressive development of osteoarthritis; said prosthetic menisci being sized and shaped to be congruent with the femoral and tibial condylar surfaces; being of reinforced construction for strength and durability; being made from materials having elastomeric characteristics similar to those of native menisci; having bearing surfaces treated chemically and/or physically to improve the efficiency of lubrication by synovial fluid; being restricted in translation within the interarticular space by a plurality of locating elements of various forms circumferentially distributed in the zone between said prosthetic menisci and circumferentially-arranged, enclosing locating bands; having optional internal elements for stiffening and anchoring purposes, optional external elements for stiffening purposes and optional straps joining their ends t

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising a water-swellable IPN or semi-IPN including a hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer and an ionic polymer, articles made from such composition and methods of using such articles. The invention also includes a process for producing a water-swellable IPN or semi-IPN from a hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer including the steps of placing an ionizable monomer solution in contact with a solid form of the hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer; diffusing the ionizable monomer solution into the hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer; and polymerizing the ionizable monomers to form a ionic polymer inside the hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer, thereby forming the IPN or semi-IPN.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising a water-swellable IPN or semi-IPN including a hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer and an ionic polymer, articles made from such composition and methods of using such articles. The invention also includes a process for producing a water-swellable IPN or semi-IPN from a hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer including the steps of placing an ionizable monomer solution in contact with a solid form of the hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer; diffusing the ionizable monomer solution into the hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer; and polymerizing the ionizable monomers to form a ionic polymer inside the hydrophobic thermoset or thermoplastic polymer, thereby forming the IPN or semi-IPN.

Abstract: A medical device and methods to relieve joint pain and adapted for knee joint repair, replacement and augmentation. The invention discloses joint lubricant, particularly hyaluronate compositions and methods for treatment of osteoarthritis.

Abstract: A method of repairing and/or stabilizing a joint by administering mesenchymal stem cells to the joint. Such a method provides for the regeneration of cartilaginous tissue in the joint, including meniscal tissue.

Abstract: A partial resurfacing implant for use in repairing an articular cartilage defect site that includes a top articulating portion having a top surface that is configured with at least one radius of curvature to approximate the surface contour of the articular cartilage surrounding the defect site. The implant also includes a supporting plate that has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is attached to the top articulating portion by a locking mechanism. The bottom surface of the supporting plate is constructed to facilitate the insertion of the implant into the defect site. Extending from the bottom surface of the supporting plate is at least one implant fixation portion. The at least one implant fixation portion is integrally connected to and is oriented about normal relative to the bottom surface. A method of repairing an articular cartilage defect with the partial joint resurfacing implant is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward an instrumentation kit used to replace a damaged human knee joint meniscus with an allograft meniscus implant. The kit includes a workstation having a base and upright end sections with a clamping assembly is mounted on the end sections and a movable cutting guide mounted to a side wall of each end section. The tibia is then drilled with a drill to a desired depth and length and a groove is formed in the tibia with an osteotome so that the width is the same as the width of the bone base of the meniscus implant which has been trimmed in the workstation.

Abstract: A method of treating a tear in a knee meniscus of a patient. The method includes exposing the torn knee meniscus to a protein crosslinker during surgery to repair the tear. Also provided is a fixation device for the surgical repair of tears of the meniscus of the knee, where the device contains one or more protein crosslinking reagents.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.

Abstract: Meniscus prosthesis assembly having a meniscus prosthesis body made of a first biocompatible non-resorbable material and having a first end portion and a second end portion; and a first bone plug made of a second biocompatible non-resorbable material for osseous integration, the first bone plug having a first end portion and a second end portion; wherein the first end portion of the first bone plug is arranged at and operatively connected to the first end portion of the meniscus prosthesis body, and wherein the first biocompatible non-resorbable material and the second biocompatible non-resorbable material are the same or different. The assembly further comprises at least one suture, wherein the at least one suture is arranged at and operatively connected to the second end portion of the first bone plug.

Abstract: A spacer implant designed for placement between the bones of a joint, which includes soft tissue components. The spacer includes a spacer body positionable between the bones and defined by an outer periphery. The spacer also includes at least one tether. Each of the tethers has a first end fixed to the spacer body and a second end extending outwardly from the outer periphery of the spacer body. The second end of each of the tethers is adapted to be fastened to any of the bones or the soft tissue components of the joint.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for repairing a tear or lesion in a body tissue such as a meniscus including a scaffold material and methods using such an assembly in repairing a tear or lesion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treatment of various joint conditions include a device inserted into a joint space. During delivery, the profile of the device is constrained in at least one dimension to minimize invasive impact on tissue and/or bone. The device may be restrained for implantation by a thread or a rigid elongate member. After insertion, the device may expand at the implantation site.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a process for implanting a cartilage graft into a cartilage defect and sealing the implanted cartilage graft with recipient tissue. The invention is also directed towards a process for repairing a cartilage defect and implanting a cartilage graft into a human or animal. The invention is further directed toward a repaired cartilage defect.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for use as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device restores shock absorption, stability, and function to the knee joint after removal of the damaged natural meniscus. In some embodiments, the prosthetic device includes an anti-migration feature. The anti-migration feature is a bridge for engagement with a femur notch in some instances. Generally, the anti-migration feature allows the artificial meniscus to be implanted into the patient's knee and maintain its position within the knee without penetrating the adjacent bone. The bridge is reinforced with fibers in some instances.

Abstract: A prosthetic device that may be utilized as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device can restore shock absorption, stability, and function to the knee after the damaged natural meniscus is removed and replaced with the prosthetic device. In some embodiments, the meniscus includes an integral fixation anchor and additional features that minimize the requirement for modification of the implant for proper fit during surgery.

Abstract: Devices and treatments for various joint conditions include a resilient elongate orthopedic device inserted into a joint space using a suture. The suture is passed through the joint space and used to pull the orthopedic device into the joint space. The suture may be using a percutaneously inserted needle or other type of needle-based delivery instrument. The resilient elongate orthopedic device may be restrained to a reduced profile that permits minimally invasive implantation, but assume an enlarged profile when positioned at an implantation site.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.

Abstract: A resorbable extracelluar matrix for reconstruction of cartilage tissue includes a mixture of collagen I and collagen II in a respective ratio of from about 1:19 to 19:1. The matrix can be utilized as a scaffold implant for vertebral or meniscal cartilage regeneration.

Abstract: Various methods for treating a joint are disclosed herein. According to one method, a joint is surgically treated by performing a surgical repair treatment on tissue within the joint capsule; implanting a load reducing device at the joint and entirely outside of the joint capsule to reduce load transmitted by the treated tissue to allow for the tissue within the joint capsule to heal; and partially unloading the joint during healing of the surgical repair site.

Abstract: Various methods for treating a joint are disclosed herein. According to one method, a joint is surgically treated by performing a surgical repair treatment on tissue within the joint capsule; implanting a load reducing device at the joint and entirely outside of the joint capsule to reduce load transmitted by the treated tissue to allow for the tissue within the joint capsule to heal; and partially unloading the joint during healing of the surgical repair site.

Abstract: Methods of selecting and implanting prosthetic devices for use as a replacement meniscus are disclosed. The selection methods include a pre-implantation selection method and a during-implantation selection method. The pre-implantation selection method includes a direct geometrical matching process, a correlation parameters-based matching process, and a finite element-based matching process. The implant identified by the pre-implantation selection method is then confirmed to be a suitable implant in the during-implantation selection method. In some instances, the during-implantation selection method includes monitoring loads and/or pressures applied to the prosthetic device and/or the adjacent anatomy. In some instances, the loads and/or pressures are monitored by a trial prosthetic device comprising one or more sensors. Methods of implanting meniscus prosthetic devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using locally administered collagenase as a non-invasive means of enhancing cell release from the cartilage or fibrocartilage tissues adjacent to a disease or injury site. The subsequent migration of cells from these tissues into the lesion or wound, followed by deposition of the appropriate extracellular matrix, results in closure of the lesion or fusion of a tissue gap.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant comprises an articular surface and a bone contacting surface. The articular surface has a first concavity extending along a first curved axis and the bone contacting surface has a convexity extending along a second curved axis. Geometric relationships between the concavity of the articular surface and convexity of the bone contacting surface are described. A resulting feature of this implant is a bone contacting surface including both planar and non-planar geometries. Instrumentation and a method for the preparation of the non-planar bone surface are also described.

Abstract: A device for intraoperative use in balancing joint forces and verifying the placement of the tibial component in total knee arthroplasty includes a spacer defining an enclosure; the spacer is sized to engage a top portion of the tibial component. A sensor array is embedded in the spacer, the sensor array measures forces on the spacer. A wireless transceiver is embedded in the spacer and forwards the output to a processor. The processor is analyzes the output and creates a pressure distribution graph indicative of the forces on the spacer, thereby assisting a surgeon in performing selective soft tissue release or component positioning in connection with surgical implantation of an orthopedic knee prosthesis.

Abstract: An implant comprising a first, second, and third segment wherein the second and third segments partially overlap the first segment and define a load bearing surface comprising an anterior-posterior (AP) curvature including at least two tangential curves of the portion of the articular surface of the femoral condyle, the tangential curves having different radii of curvature. A drill guide comprises a body portion including a first, second and third bushing spaced along the body portion to establish a first, second and third axes, respectively. Each axis may be substantially normal to the articular surface at three different points along a curvature of the articular surface comprising the two tangential curves. A measuring device comprises a housing defining a longitudinally passageway and an outrigger. A guide pin may be received in the longitudinal passageway and a measuring device determines how far the guide pin is in the passageway.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treatment of various joint conditions include a device inserted into a joint space. During delivery, the profile of the device is constrained in at least one dimension to minimize invasive impact on tissue and/or bone. The device may be restrained for implantation by a thread or a rigid elongate member. After insertion, the device may expand at the implantation site.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treatment of various joint conditions include a device inserted into a joint space. During delivery, the profile of the device is constrained in at least one dimension to minimize invasive impact on tissue and/or bone. The device may be restrained for implantation by a thread or a rigid elongate member. After insertion, the device may expand at the implantation site.

Abstract: Provided are materials comprising layers of anisotropically aligned fibers, the alignment of which fibers may be adjusted so as to give rise to circumferentially-aligned fibers that replicate the fiber alignment of native fibrous tissue, such as the meniscus or the annulus fibrosis. Also provided are laminates formed from the disclosed materials, as well as methods of fabricating the disclosed materials and laminates.

Abstract: A medical device and methods to relieve joint pain and adapted for knee joint repair, replacement and augmentation. The invention discloses joint lubricant, particularly hyaluronate compositions and methods for treatment of osteoarthritis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions having at least one neocartilage particle, juvenile cartilage particle or a combination thereof and a matrix, and methods and devices that include the compositions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing damaged meniscal tissue includes a meniscus implant including a porous body having a plurality of interconnected open micro-pores and one or more open cavities for receiving meniscal tissue. The interconnected micro-pores are arranged to allow fluid to flow into the porous body and are in fluid communication with the one or more open cavities.

Abstract: An arthroplasty device is provided having an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel that is strain-hardened by swelling and adapted to be held in place in a joint by conforming to a bone geometry. The strain-hardened IPN hydrogel is based on two different networks: (1) a non-silicone network of preformed hydrophilic non-ionic telechelic macromonomers chemically cross-linked by polymerization of its end-groups, and (2) a non-silicone network of ionizable monomers. The second network was polymerized and chemically cross-linked in the presence of the first network and has formed physical cross-links with the first network. Within the IPN, the degree of chemical cross-linking in the second network is less than in the first network. An aqueous salt solution (neutral pH) is used to ionize and swell the second network. The swelling of the second network is constrained by the first network resulting in an increase in effective physical cross-links within the IPN.

Abstract: In a knee endoprosthesis comprising a tibia part, a femur part having two condylar surfaces, and a meniscus part arranged between the femur part and the tibia part, the meniscus part having on its upper side two bearing shells for receiving and mounting the condylar surfaces of the femur part and having on its underside a meniscus-bearing surface which rests in a displaceable manner on a tibia-bearing surface on the upper side of the tibia part, in order to allow as large a bending angle as possible, with best possible adaptation to the anatomy of the natural knee joint, it is proposed that the meniscus-bearing surface and the tibia-bearing surface each have a spherical projection or a spherical recess offset in a medial or a lateral direction in relation to their center, that the spherical projection on one of the two bearing surfaces engage the spherical recess of the other bearing surface and thereby form a ball bearing-like mounting of the meniscus part on the tibia part, and that in the lateral or medial

Abstract: An articular cartilage shell graft is designed to treat the arthritic population for which current biologic treatments are insufficient and as a biological-stage repair for intervention before prosthetic knee arthroplasty.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for implantation in a mammal joint having at least two contacting surfaces is provided. The medical device comprises; an artificial contacting surface adapted to replace at least the surface of at least one of the mammal's joint contacting surfaces, wherein the artificial contacting surface is adapted to be lubricated, when implanted in said joint. Furthermore the medical device comprises at least one inlet adapted to receive a lubricating fluid from a reservoir, at least one channel at least partly integrated in the artificial contacting surface in connection with the at least one inlet for distributing the lubricating fluid to the surface of the artificial contacting surface. The medical device could be adapted to be operable by an operation device to receive the distributed lubricated fluid from a reservoir.

Abstract: Implant devices having an articular end for repair of articular cartilage defects are provided. The articular end has an oval perimeter, a convex upper face, and a concave lower face. The convex upper face has a first circular pitch radius and a first circular roll radius. At least a portion of the concave lower face has a spherical radius, the convex upper face blending into a rim, wherein at least a first and second portion of the rim extends at least a first distance along a vertical axis and a third and fourth portion of the rim tapers inward along the vertical axis, the rim blending into the concave lower face. The articular cartilage implant devices further include a stem extending from the concave lower face away from the convex upper face along the vertical axis. The stem has a plurality of oval shaped perimeters along the vertical axis.

Abstract: Methods of utilizing implant devices for the repair of articular cartilage defects are provided herein. The implant devices have circular, or oblong, articular ends. The articular ends have a convex upper face and a concave lower face, the convex upper face blending to the concave lower face, and the concave lower face having a curvature less than the curvature of the convex upper face. The implant devices further have a stem extending from the concave lower face away from the upper face, the stem having a maximum radius at the convex lower face and tapering to lesser radius along the length of the stem.

Abstract: A system for positioning an element relative to an articular surface. An embodiment of the system may include a first element having a positional reference relative to an articular surface. The system may further include a second element capable of indicating the positional reference of the first element relative to said articular surface. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.

Abstract: This invention provides aragonite- and calcite-based scaffolds for the repair, regeneration, enhancement of formation or a combination thereof of cartilage and/or bone, which scaffolds comprise at least two phases, wherein each phase differs in terms of its chemical content, or structure, kits comprising the same, processes for producing solid aragonite or calcite scaffolds and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A joint support and subchondral support system and method of use of same for providing structural and dampening support to damaged subchondral bone adjacent to a body joint are disclosed. The joint support and subchondral support system and method of use of same are applicable to many parts of the joint as any area with cartilage disease has an adjoining subchondral component.

Abstract: This invention provides aragonite- and calcite-based scaffolds for the repair, regeneration, enhancement of formation or a combination thereof of cartilage and/or bone, which scaffolds comprise at least two phases, wherein each phase differs in terms of its chemical content, or structure, kits comprising the same, processes for producing solid aragonite or calcite scaffolds and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A biocompatible meniscal repair device is disclosed. The tissue repair device includes a scaffold adapted to be placed in contact with a defect in a meniscus, the scaffold comprising a high-density, dry laid nonwoven polymeric material and a biocompatible foam. The scaffold provides increased suture pull-out strength.

Abstract: A prosthetic device that may be utilized as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device can restore shock absorption, stability, and function to the knee after the damaged natural meniscus is removed and replaced with the prosthetic device. In some embodiments, the meniscus includes an integral fixation anchor and additional features that minimize the requirement for modification of the implant for proper fit during surgery.

Abstract: Implant devices, and method of using the same, are provided. The implant devices have circular, or oblong, articular ends. The articular ends have a convex upper face and a concave lower face, the convex upper face blending to the concave lower face, and the concave lower face having a curvature less than the curvature of the convex upper face. The implant devices further have a stem extending from the concave lower face away from the upper face, the stem having a maximum radius at the convex lower face and tapering to lesser radius along the length of the stem.

Abstract: An implant comprising a first, second, and third segment wherein the second and third segments partially overlap the first segment and define a load bearing surface comprising an anterior-posterior (AP) curvature including at least two tangential curves of the portion of the articular surface of the femoral condyle, the tangential curves having different radii of curvature. A drill guide comprises a body portion including a first, second and third bushing spaced along the body portion to establish a first, second and third axes, respectively. Each axis may be substantially normal to the articular surface at three different points along a curvature of the articular surface comprising the two tangential curves. A measuring device comprises a housing defining a longitudinally passageway and an outrigger. A guide pin may be received in the longitudinal passageway and a measuring device determines how far the guide pin is in the passageway.

Abstract: Methods of using cartilage implant devices are provided. The methods include locating articular cartilage having a leasion, and utilizing an implant having dimensions compatible with the lesion. The method further includes forming a cavity in the articular cartilage, subchondral bone, and cancellous bond, and engaging the implant with the cavity so that the lower face of the articular end of the implant abuts against the subchondral bone, and the stem of the implant abuts against the cancellous bone.