Abstract: A device for releasing a therapeutic agent in the body space in the form of a prosthetic joint implant having a first portion such as a stemmed portion for contacting bone tissue in an intramedullary canal of a long bone. The implant has a second portion which extends into the body space such as a joint space. The joint component contains a reservoir filled with a bioabsorbable/resorbable polymer which includes a therapeutic agent. The reservoir is open or in contact with the joint space as the body fluid diffuses in and out of the polymeric device it carries the drug into the joint space.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disposed for maintaining the proper positioning of a prosthetic implant having proximal and distal ends within a prepared bone cavity during cement injection and curing. First stabilization means, implantable within the bone cavity, minimize lateral movement of the distal end of the implant, while second stabilization means, physically separate from the means for minimizing lateral movement of the distal end of the implant, minimize both the lateral movement of the proximal end of the implant and the rotational movement of the implant overall. In the preferred embodiment, the second stabilization means includes an apertured cap removably securable to the end of a bone having the prepared cavity through which the implant is inserted and held in place.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an inflatable device for use in restoring the anatomy of diseased or fractured bone. The inflatable device may be a balloon of varied size or shape to conform to the bone to be treated and may be deployed in any type of bone where collapsed fractures of cortical bone may be treated by restoring the bone from its inner surface. Once the bone has been sufficiently restored the balloons may be deflated and removed, or may remain inside the bone. The balloon may have multiple layers to provide desired surface characteristics, resistance to puncture and tearing, or other beneficial properties, as appropriate for the particular application of the device.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided including the steps of preparing an opening in the bone sized to receive a prosthesis therein and then inserting an apertured temporary implant into the opening. A fluent material is then injected into the temporary implant so that the material exudes from the apertures into contact with the bone surrounding the temporary implant. The temporary implant is then removed to make way for implanting the prosthesis into the bone opening. The fluent material can be a biological, biocompatible or bioactive material, such as a composition adapted to permanently fill voids and irregularities in the bone or a composition adapted to promote bone growth. In another embodiment, an implant assembly includes an apertured sleeve adapted to be permanently implanted within the bone opening, but providing apertures for injecting a fluent material into the opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disposed for maintaining the proper positioning of a prosthetic implant having proximal and distal ends within a prepared bone cavity during cement injection and curing. First stabilization means, implantable within the bone cavity, minimize lateral movement of the distal end of the implant, while second stabilization means, physically separate from the means for minimizing lateral movement of the distal end of the implant, minimize both the lateral movement of the proximal end of the implant and the rotational movement of the implant overall. In the preferred embodiment, the second stabilization means includes an apertured cap removably securable to the end of a bone having the prepared cavity through which the implant is inserted and held in place.