Abstract: A biocompatible prosthetic device comprising a thin low friction spacer for location to overlie a bone member in an interpositional location between opposed bone joint articular surfaces. The prosthesis is preferably a thin spacer with at least one low friction surface, the spacer being adapted for location about a bone member in an interpositional location between opposed bone joint articular surfaces preferably about a margin of articular cartilage of a bone member's condyle, preferably without any modification of the articular surface of the condyle. One preferred use of a prosthesis is in a human temporomandibular joint as a thin cap-like member fitted closely over the mandibular condyle to be disposed intermediate of the mandibular condyle and the mandibular fossa of the temporomandibular joint.

Abstract: A fossa-eminence prosthesis having a nonanatomic surface that is relatively flatter than the native fossa. The articular eminence of the patient can be surgically reduced before implanting the prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides composite implants for the replacement or augmentation of non-load bearing or load bearing soft tissues, and methods of making and using these implant compositions. In one embodiment, a composite implant of the present invention comprises a soft polymeric component coupled to a porous polymeric substrate.

Abstract: A biological jawbone prosthesis is made according to a method that includes the steps of collecting animal material from a bovine or porcine source, the animal material being a jawbone, shaping the animal material to provide a desired shape for the jawbone implant, removing cells from the animal material, crosslinking the animal material, removing antigens from the animal material, subjecting the animal material to an alkaline treatment, coupling into the animal material active substances which are capable of adhering growth factor and stem cell, and packing the animal material in a container that contains a sterilization solution.

Abstract: A dental implant system for placement within a jaw of a patient includes an envelope including an outer surface and an inner surface defining a barrel. At least one barrier is located in the barrel. The barrel having a first region on one side of the barrier and a second region on an opposing side of the barrier. An expander member is movable within the barrel along a longitudinal axis of the barrel from the first region to the second region. The barrier prohibits the expander member from moving from the second region to the first region.

Abstract: The prosthetic temporomandibular implant (10) comprises a concave surface (16) and a convex surface (17) designed to cooperate, respectively, with the natural outer surface (9) of the condyle (5) and the natural inner surface (7) of the fossa (8) of a damaged joint (2) of a human mandible (1). It is made of a rigid biocompatible material such as ceramic, stainless steel or an aluminum/zirconium alloy. The implant is designed based on an image of the joint (2) generated by a medical imaging system and incorporating an image of a healthy joint (3); these three-dimensional images are processed by a CAD (segmentation, vectorization) system to obtain a vector representation of the implant (10) and a data file capable of controlling a digital milling machine. The invention is applicable to the restoration of a damaged TMJ (2).

Abstract: A system, method and devices for mandible reconstruction wherein a replacement mandible, either full or partial, is formed by cutting and reconnecting a donor bone, the devices comprising guide or template members that provide the correct angles needed for cutting the donor bone in order to replicate the configuration of the mandible being reconstructed. The system comprises a plurality of wedge-shaped members.

Abstract: A sinus correction method is disclosed. For example, one embodiment comprises making an incision in gingival tissue surrounding a sinus membrane perforation, dissecting the gingival tissue from cortical bone, dissecting sinus membrane adjacent to the gingival tissue from the cortical bone, overlapping the sinus membrane and adjacent gingival tissue from two sides of the sinus membrane perforation, connecting the overlapping sinus membrane and adjacent gingival tissue from two sides of the sinus membrane perforation, and applying a bone graft composition adjacent to the overlapping sinus membrane, the bone graft composition to form bone connected with cortical bone sufficient to place a dental implant.

Abstract: A novel dental implant for coupling an artificial tooth to a jawbone of a patient is provided and a method for using same. The implant comprises an elongated body having an apical end threaded bone-engaging portion for engaging the dental implant with said jawbone and preferably a coronal end that serves as a post or prothetic platform. The implant further comprises a skirt shaped semi-permeable membrane attached to the elongated body and is capable of being positioned in a first upwardly raised position and in a second downwardly spread position to provide a cover for a site surrounding the location at which said artificial tooth is to be implanted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inserting an implant in a bone. In the bone, a thin slit is formed by a cutting tool in a mesiodistal direction around an insertion spot of the implant. The thin slit is cut and widened by a bone chisel. Into the implant insertion spot, a tool for forming cavity provided with a needle portion is squeezed while being rotated, and a cavity is formed. In the formed cavity and the slit, blood of a patient is collected, by which a tissue is rapidly regenerated and bonded to the inserted implant, and the implant is firmly fixed to the bone.

Abstract: A method of maxillary sinus bone grafting for placement of an implant in which upon placement of the implant, a vertical hole is formed and enlarged with ease in a maxillary sinus floor, a maxillary membrane is easily lifted in an always-stable state using a piezotome and gel type bone graft material while preventing the membrane from becoming damaged, and even the bone graft material of coarse bone meal is uniformly diffused and infused, thereby ensuring that the implant is placed in a fast, safe manner while allowing a patient to keep relaxed and alleviating the pain the patient feels, resulting in shortening a curing time and maximizing effects of the placement of the implant.

Abstract: This device can be used to create new bone to fill a gap in the mandible after surgical excision. It uses a bone reconstruction plate as a distraction device. The reconstruction plate fixes the bone stumps on both sides of the bone gap. In the middle segment of the plate overlying the bone gap, the transport bone disc is carried on a transport unit that moves along a rail on the outer surface of the reconstruction plate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to temporomandibular joint replacement apparatus and methods, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an apparatus for treating dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint including a base plate comprising a bottom surface defining a tongue, and a surface plate comprising a substantially convex surface. The surface plate can be configured to be fastened to the base plate. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of microvascular reconstruction surgery of bone defects. More specifically, the invention relates to a biological jaw regenerate and to methods of preparing said jaw regenerate. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of reconstructing a jaw defect in a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: An implanter is provided, which enables rebuilding of an interdental papilla with a simple method. An implanter 1 is made up of a T-shaped steel member as a main body. The lateral side portions centering a web portion 2 in a flange portion 3 are inclined so as to be closer to the web portion 2 with respect to a plane perpendicular to the web portion 2, to provide an angular shape, with its peak residing in a portion joining with the web portion. A plurality of holes 4 large enough for gingival fibers to thrust in are opened in the flange portion 3. One or more embedding portions 5 are projected from a tip end portion (lower end portion) of the web portion 2. Each of the embedding portions 5 has a tip end portion with at least an acute shape, or a shape that enables embedding by being driven into alveolar bone 10.

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: The present invention generally relates to mandibular prostheses. More particularly, the invention relates to a condylar-head replacement for reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint after resection of the condyloid process. The present invention provides a condylar-head replacement comprising a condylar-head attachment that may be adjustably positioned on a reconstruction plate to achieve various condylar-head heights. The condylar-head height adjustment allows the condylar-head replacement to be fit to a particular patient. The condylar-head replacement of the present invention obviates the need for custom fabrication of a condylar-head replacement for a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental implant having recombinant bone morphogenic protein coated on the processed surface thereof, which, when implanted into the jawbone, enables undifferentiated adult cells around the implant site to be rapidly differentiated into osteoblasts so as to induce osteoconductive healing to thereby reduce a healing period, as well as a coating method thereof. According to the invention, recombinant bone morphogenic protein BMP-2 penetrates between ceramic balls formed on the dental implant surface, sheet structures of calcium triphosphate or fine pores formed by anodic oxidation, so as to form a coating film. Thus, the recombinant bone morphogenic protein BMP-2 is not detached from the dental implant surface even during the surgical implantation of the implant.

Abstract: An intervertebral insert member and an instrument for positioning the insert in a space between vertebral bodies in vivo. The insert member is advanced by the instrument into a prepared site located between adjacent vertebral bodies. Upon reaching the appropriate insertion point the sleeve is retracted and a pivotal motion is imparted to the insert. The insert member is pivotally attached to the distal end of the delivery instrument such that it can be articulated about a pivot point that is located on the insert member until it is properly positioned. The positioning instrument is then released from the insert member and removed from the space between the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A patient's obstructive sleep apnea is treated by identifying a patient with sleep apnea attributable at least in part to movement of a base of a tongue of said patient toward a pharyngeal wall of said patient. The method includes identifying a region in the tongue extending from a mandibular-geniohyoid interface to the base of the tongue and stiffening a tissue of the tongue throughout the identified region.

Abstract: A prosthetic device is described herein that incorporates correlated magnets which enable an artificial prosthesis (e.g., artificial limb) to be easily and effectively attached to and removed from an interface that is secured to a residual limb on a person. In addition, a method is described herein for enabling a person to attach and remove an artificial prosthesis to and from an interface that is secured to a residual limb on the person.

Abstract: Bioresorbable inflatable devices and tunnel incision tool and methods for treating and enlarging a tissue or an organ or a tube or a vessel or a cavity. The device is composed of a hollow expanding pouch made of a resorbable material that can be attached to a filling element. The pouch can be filled with a biocompatible materials, one or more times in few days interval, after the insertion of the device. While filling the pouch every few days the tissue expands and the filling material if it is bioactive start to function. The tunnel incision tool composed of a little blade that emerges from the surface of the tool in order to make shallow incisions in the surrounding tissue therefore enabling easy expansion of the tissue.

Abstract: A layer is arranged on an implant for bone or tissue structure. The layer constitutes a boundary or barrier between the actual or unoxidized body of the implant and the structure for the purpose of increasing retention and has, in this context, a substantial thickness. The layer is designed with a channel network which gives the layer a substantial porosity. The channel network is designed with mouths which face towards the structure and whose respective cross-sectional diameters, at the surface of the layer facing towards the structure, are substantially less than the respective extents of the channels in and down into the layer as seen from the said surface.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is, in one example, a dental implant for implantation in a human or animal jawbone with an implant for receiving a dental prosthesis. Providing a dental implant that can be implanted with less discomfort for the patient is achieved in that the implant is at least in parts surrounded with bone substance of the patient, said bone substance not originating from the place in the jaw of the patient at which the dental implant is intended to be implanted.

Abstract: A fossa-eminence prosthesis having a nonanatomic surface that is relatively flatter than the native fossa. The articular eminence of the patient can be surgically reduced before implanting the prosthesis.

Abstract: A biocompatible prosthetic device comprising a thin low friction spacer for location to overlie a bone member in an interpositional location between opposed bone joint articular surfaces. The prosthesis is preferably a thin spacer with at least one low friction surface, the spacer being adapted for location about a bone member in an interpositional location between opposed bone joint articular surfaces preferably about a margin of articular cartilage of a bone member's condyle, preferably without any modification of the articular surface of the condyle. One preferred use of a prosthesis is in a human temporomandibular joint as a thin cap-like member fitted closely over the mandibular condyle to be disposed intermediate of the mandibular condyle and the mandibular fossa of the temporomandibular joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental implant method using a tissue punch, sinus lift drill (SLD) and hydraulic effect which places a bone graft and embed a dental implant at a maxillary sinus area where there is not sufficient bone to embed a dental implant. The method includes: removing mucoperiosteum having a size of an dental implant to be implanted at a alveolar crest area using a tissue punch, drilling a maxillary sinus floor easily and safely without causing damage to a maxillary sinus membrane by inserting a sinus lift drill which has a protruding member that is elastically installed in the body so as to protrude from and retract in the longitudinal direction of the body, elevating a maxillary sinus membrane by the hydraulic effect (injecting graft adjacent to the drilled maxillary sinus floor); and installing the implant in an inside portion of the drilled maxillary sinus floor.

Abstract: An internal sinus manipulation procedure for augmenting bone of a dental patient between the floor of the patient's sinus and a raised portion of the patient's sinus membrane comprising exposing a portion of the patient's sinus membrane immediately adjacent the floor of the patient's sinus followed by (i) a simultaneous and controlled lifting and lateral separation of the exposed portion of the sinus membrane from the sinus floor to form an open pocket between the sinus membrane and the sinus floor, (ii) introduction of a bone grafting material into the pocket and (iii) a compacting of the bone grafting material.

Abstract: A biological jawbone prosthesis is made according to a method that includes the steps of collecting animal material from a bovine or porcine source, the animal material being a jawbone, shaping the animal material to provide a desired shape for the jawbone implant, removing cells from the animal material, crosslinking the animal material, removing antigens from the animal material, subjecting the animal material to an alkaline treatment, coupling into the animal material active substances which are capable of adhering growth factor and stem cell, and packing the animal material in a container that contains a sterilization solution.

Abstract: A method of inducing bone formation in a subject in need of such inducement comprises the steps of mechanically inducing an increase in osteoblast activity in the subject and elevating blood concentration of at least one bone anabolic agent in the subject. The method steps may be performed in any order, but in sufficient time proximity that the elevated concentration of the anabolic agent and the mechanically induced increase in osteoblast activity overlaps. The method may additionally comprise providing the subject with an elevated blood concentration of at least one antiresorptive agent, wherein the elevated concentration is sufficient to prevent resorption of new bone growth produced due to the osteoblast activity. Use of the method permits targeting of specific bones of the subject for bone production and preservation, faster bone production and earlier discontinuation of bone anabolic pharmaceuticals. Kits adapted for performing the method are provided.

Abstract: A method of inducing bone formation in a subject in need of such inducement comprises the steps of mechanically inducing an increase in osteoblast activity in the subject and elevating blood concentration of at least one bone anabolic agent in the subject. The method steps may be performed in any order, but in sufficient time proximity that the elevated concentration of the anabolic agent and the mechanically induced increase in osteoblast activity overlaps. The method may additionally comprise providing the subject with an elevated blood concentration of at least one antiresorptive agent, wherein the elevated concentration is sufficient to prevent resorption of new bone growth produced due to the osteoblast activity. Use of the method permits targeting of specific bones of the subject for bone production and preservation, faster bone production and earlier discontinuation of bone anabolic pharmaceuticals. Kits adapted for performing the method are provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a surgical guide and accompanying depth bur with a method for its use during sinus elevation surgery utilizing the Caldwell-Luc Osteotomy procedure. The surgical guide of the present invention provides accurate transfer of the parameters of the surgical osteotomy to be performed during sinus elevation surgery. It bridges the gap between the precise information obtained from the CT scan and the surgical field on which this surgical plan must be placed. This is accomplished by the use of the surgical guide which is constructed based on the information in the CT scan and the treatment plan prepared utilizing 3-D imaging software.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to mandibular prostheses. More particularly, the invention relates to a condylar-head replacement for reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint after resection of the condyloid process. The present invention provides a condylar-head replacement comprising a condylar-head attachment that may be adjustably positioned on a reconstruction plate to achieve various condylar-head heights. The condylar-head height adjustment allows the condylar-head replacement to be fit to a particular patient. The condylar-head replacement of the present invention obviates the need for custom fabrication of a condylar-head replacement for a patient.

Abstract: The prosthetic temporomandibular implant (10) comprises a concave surface (16) and a convex surface (17) designed to cooperate, respectively, with the natural outer surface (9) of the condyle (5) and the natural inner surface (7) of the fossa (8) of a damaged joint (2) of a human mandible (1). It is made of a rigid biocompatible material such as ceramic, stainless steel or an aluminum/zirconium alloy. The implant is designed based on an image of the joint (2) generated by a medical imaging system and incorporating an image of a healthy joint (3); these three-dimensional images are processed by a CAD (segmentation, vectorization) system to obtain a vector representation of the implant (10) and a data file capable of controlling a digital milling machine. The invention is applicable to the restoration of a damaged TMJ (2).

Abstract: Bone-adaptive surface structures are provided for lateral jaw implants. Micromechanical and/or macromechanical surface structures having various body forms are incorporated into selected segments of the surface of a base and of a bar that connects a shaft with the base to accelerate the healing process after the implant is inserted into the jaw bone and to make a critical improvement in holding the implant firmly in place without rotation. A process of manufacturing the surface structures includes forming a macromechanical surface on the implant to increase its surface area; and superimposing micromechanical canals on the macromechanical surface, the canals having a size smaller than the minimum size of the osteons in the bone into which the implant is to be inserted.

Abstract: The invention includes constructions suitable for utilization in temporomandibular joint replacement systems, with the constructions being formed of pyrocarbon-coated material. The pyrocarbon-coated material may be, for example, a pyrocarbon-coated tungsten/graphite matrix.

Abstract: A method of inducing bone formation in a subject in need of such inducement comprises the steps of mechanically inducing an increase in osteoblast activity in the subject and elevating blood concentration of at least one bone anabolic agent in the subject. The method steps may be performed in any order, but in sufficient time proximity that the elevated concentration of the anabolic agent and the mechanically induced increase in osteoblast activity overlaps. The method may additionally comprise providing the subject with an elevated blood concentration of at least one antiresorptive agent, wherein the elevated concentration is sufficient to prevent resorption of new bone growth produced due to the osteoblast activity. Use of the method permits targeting of specific bones of the subject for bone production and preservation, faster bone production and earlier discontinuation of bone anabolic pharmaceuticals. Kits adapted for performing the method are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that when a tooth primordium is inserted into a mammalian jaw and tooth formation follows, new alveolar bone around the new tooth forms. The present invention is based on the idea of stimulating new tooth formation via the implantation of tooth primordia at selected places in the jaw (e.g. at four points in the molar regions) to result in the formation of bony protuberances which could facilitate denture retention. The teeth may then be removed from the jaw of the patient to leave the new alveolar bone.

Abstract: A method of determining the size and/or placement of a prosthetic disc in a disc space between adjacent endplates of two vertebrae in a selected spinal area, comprising: using a computer to identify the disc space parameters of height, width, depth and lordosis between the adjacent vertebral endplates; using a computer to create an artificial volume corresponding to an actual prosthetic disc that can be positioned in the disc space in accordance with a manufacturer's size and lordosis specifications for prosthesis; using a computer to determine the center of the disc space and the center of rotation of the prosthetic disc volume; using a computer to position the prosthetic disc volume in the disc space such that the center of rotation of the prosthetic disc volume is positioned posterior to the center of the disc space; and using a computer to determine the prosthetic disc volume that fits within the disc space in accordance with a surgeon's or manufacturer's specification for prosthesis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of sleep apnea employs bone screws implanted into a patient's anterior maxillary bone above and posterior to the cuspids, and posterior mandibular bone below and between any of the posterior teeth. Elastics are stretched between the maxillary and mandibular bone screws to exert forces to bias the mandible forward with respect to the maxilla. An aligner can be placed between the patient's upper and lower to help maintain proper positioning of the mandible.

Abstract: An arrangement and an implant are provided for increasing the stress resistance of the implant arranged in an upper jaw bone (1). The implant has access via parts (9, 4?) to the sinus cavity (5). At said parts, the implant is arranged with a convex or rounded front surface which, upon access, lifts the sinus mucous membrane, without piercing the latter, and thus forms a closed space (7) between the parts and the underside of the mucous membrane. The implant is provided, at least at said parts, with growth-stimulating substance or substances (15) which interact with cell-containing body fluid (8) which penetrates or has penetrated into the space, so that new bone (11) is formed around said parts of the implant.

Abstract: A prosthetic module for a mandible bone includes a body having a form corresponding to the mandible bone and extending between a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end. A first stem extends from the body at the first end and is configured to extend into and couple the body to a mandible bone in replacement of a resected section thereof. At least one of a second stem, a hole, or a geometry similar to a condyle-ramus-angle part of a mandible bone is located at the second end thereof.

Abstract: Two or more implants (8, 9, 10) are arranged in succession in the jaw bone (1) and bear or comprise growth-stimulating substances (25), here called GSS, which, as a function of secretion of body fluid at the implants, are intended to be released and form new bone (11-15) around the implants. The implants are designed to work with a release process for GSS, permitting a leveling-out effect along the extent of the jaw bone in the horizontal and/or vertical direction and/or a level-raising effect in the vertical direction. In this way it is possible to achieve optimum positions for the implants without the risk of reduced stability and/or compromised esthetics.

Abstract: A biocompatible prosthetic device comprising a thin low friction spacer for location to overlie a bone member in an interpositional location between opposed bone joint articular surfaces. The prosthesis is preferably a thin spacer with at least one low friction surface, the spacer being adapted for location about a bone member in an interpositional location between opposed bone joint articular surfaces preferably about a margin of articular cartilage of a bone member's condyle, preferably without any modification of the articular surface of the condyle. One preferred use of a prosthesis is in a human temporomandibular joint as a thin cap-like member fitted closely over the mandibular condyle to be disposed intermediate of the mandibular condyle and the mandibular fossa of the temporomandibular joint.

Abstract: An internal sinus manipulation procedure for augmenting bone of a dental patient between the floor of the patient's sinus and a raised portion of the patient's sinus membrane comprising exposing a portion of the patient's sinus membrane immediately adjacent the floor of the patient's sinus followed by (i) a simultaneous and controlled lifting and lateral separation of the exposed portion of the sinus membrane from the sinus floor to form an open pocket between the sinus membrane and the sinus floor, (ii) introduction of a bone grafting material into the pocket and (iii) a compacting of the bone grafting material.

Abstract: This device can be used to create new bone to fill a gap in the mandible after surgical excision. It uses a bone reconstruction plate as a distraction device. The reconstruction plate fixes the bone stumps on both sides of the bone gap. In the middle segment of the plate overlying the bone gap, the transport bone disc is carried on a transport unit that moves along a rail on the outer surface of the reconstruction plate.

Abstract: A biocompatible form and a method for fabricating the implant are provided. The biocompatible form may be used to support bone graft material such as that used to reconstruct missing bone in a patient's oral cavity. The implant is fabricated from a biocompatible mesh, which may be made of titanium, a titanium alloy or fiber and is permanently implantable in the patient's oral cavity. The biocompatible form has an anatomical configuration which includes one or more portions conforming substantially to various alveolar bone contours which may include predetermined, human interproximal bone contours, root prominence bone contours and mylohyoid ridge bone contours. The biocompatible form may include a palatal section. The biocompatible form may also include one or more apertures for receiving a corresponding number of dental prostheses therethrough.

Abstract: A maxillofacial anchoring and distraction system having an internally threaded anchoring or distraction fixture (12) and a selected length jack screw (14) for placement in an osteotomy. To minimize required bone height, a cut-away bone screw (16) or a solid mesh tip (17) is provided for insertion in bone in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the anchoring and jack screws. A flat surface portion (16c, 17a) serves as a reaction surface for the distal end of the jack screw. In a second embodiment a sealing screw (24) is used with distraction fixture (20) modified to include a sealing surface. After completion of distraction the sealing screw is used to seal off the distraction fixture for conversion into an implant suitable for receiving conventional prosthetic components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-trauma surgical plate used to fix mandibular stumps that comprises two lateral series of rings alternated with ribbon-like connection plates and with an intermediate series of balls joined with cylindrical arms.

Abstract: A biocompatible form and a method for fabricating the implant are provided. The biocompatible form may be used to support bone graft material such as that used to reconstruct missing bone in a patient's oral cavity. The implant is fabricated from a biocompatible mesh, which may be made of titanium, a titanium alloy or fiber and is permanently implantable in the patient's oral cavity. The biocompatible form has an anatomical configuration which includes one or more portions conforming substantially to various alveolar bone contours which may include predetermined, human interproximal bone contours, root prominence bone contours and mylohyoid ridge bone contours. The biocompatible form may include a palatal section. The biocompatible form may also include one or more apertures for receiving a corresponding number of dental prostheses therethrough.