Abstract: A synthetic material can comprise a plurality of rigid components. Each rigid component can be spaced from each adjacent rigid component to define respective interstices between each rigid component and each adjacent rigid component. A flexible material can be disposed within each respective interstice and can extend between and connect to adjacent rigid components.

Abstract: Disclosed is an artificial bone structure for replacement of natural bone and comprising a solid cylindrical portion having an elongate shape. The solid cylindrical portion comprises an auxetic structure of a plurality of artificial osteons and each artificial osteon comprises a first hexagonal unit and a second hexagonal unit having corresponding edges. Furthermore, a first artificial osteon and a second artificial osteon of the plurality of artificial osteons are connected to each other using an edge of a third artificial osteon and about a central axis of each of the first artificial osteon and the second artificial osteon. Moreover, the artificial bone structure comprises a hollow cylindrical portion having an elongate shape, disposed inside of and concentrically with the solid cylindrical portion. The hollow cylindrical portion is configured to comprise an artificial bone marrow therein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of mammalian prosthetics, and more specifically to prostheses for use in total or partial joint replacement, and to a method of use of these prostheses in arthroplasty. Thus, disclosed is a prosthesis for use in hip arthroplasty that comprises an artificial femoral head that includes a head portion constructed totally or partially of a polymeric material, and a connector means designed to connect said head portion in a non-articulating manner to a femoral stem portion. The head portion may be made solely of solid polymeric material or of an outer shell of polymeric material connected in a non-articulating manner to an embedded core. The polymeric material is preferably selected from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) or radiation treated UHMWPE having substantially no detectable free radicals. The embedded core comprises, for example, one or more of solid non-polymeric material (e.g.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant having a titanium or titanium alloy body with a plurality of surfaces. The orthopedic implant is produced according to a process comprising the steps of: (a) additively building the orthopedic implant; and then (b) mechanically, chemically, or mechanically and chemically eroding one or more surfaces of the orthopedic implant to (i) remove alpha case from, and (ii) impart an osteoinducting roughness including micro-scale structures and nano-scale structures into, the one or more surfaces.

Abstract: A device includes a bone cement or a biomaterial and a mesh structure impregnated with the bone cement or the biomaterial. The mesh structure reinforces the bone cement or the biomaterial and reinforces the material's fatigue properties. The mesh structure may be made of a shape memory alloy.

Abstract: The present invention provides biocompatible, non-resorbable porous containment structures for containment of bone graft material at a desired location for stimulation of bone growth. The porous containment structures have interconnected pores sized to allow fibrovascular integration with surrounding tissue and conduction of vascular tissue through the structure into the bone graft material.

Abstract: A high strength porous biphasic polymeric reinforcement material manufactured by a compression and/or sintering process is disclosed. The material results in a network of interconnected collapsed pores, which forces thin overlapping walls and passages to be created. The network provides permeable access for fluid migration throughout the material. The strength and/or permeability are advantageous for medical devices and implants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cement director for insertion within a vertebral body or other body structure, and related methods of use. An example method includes creating a cavity in a vertebral body, inserting a collapsible mesh structure into the cavity in a collapsed state, wherein the collapsible mesh structure comprises regions of different permeability to a bone cement, inflating a balloon within the collapsible mesh structure to expand the mesh structure, and injecting a bone cement into the mesh structure, wherein the bone cement flows preferentially out of the mesh structure through at least one region of greater permeability.

Abstract: A delivery system comprising a covering containing at least a first substance for release to a surgical site is provided. The covering includes an elongated containment portion having at least one compartment, wherein the covering includes an elongated containment having a first end and a second end. At one end the elongated containment defines an opening configured to receive at least one substance. The at least one substance can be DBM or a mixture of demineralized fibers and particles in a ratio of 30:70. The delivery system also includes a closing member that can close the elongated containment prior to insertion at a surgical site. The closing member can be drawing strings, stitches, sutures, wing sutures, heat seals, adhesion, pressure fittings, coil ring, twist tie. The substance contained in the delivery system can also be enclosed by twisting and folding over a portion of the covering.

Abstract: Provided is a method for easily producing a lamellar compressed fiber structural material which has mechanical characteristics close to those of in vivo bone and which is capable of easily increasing osteoblast even when a difference in strength exists. In order to solve the issues, the method for producing compressed fiber structural material 1, includes: a step of preparing biocompatible fiber 14 having an average diameter of 5 ?m-50 ?m and an aspect ratio of 20-500; and a step of molding compressed fiber structural material 1 by cold pressing/shearing biocompatible fiber 14, compressed fiber structural material 1 having an average pore diameter that is in the range of 60 ?m-100 ?m inclusive and a void fraction that is in the range of 25%-50% inclusive, both obtained by measurement in accordance with the mercury penetration method.

Abstract: A support structure implant for location within a bone cavity to support the bone which defines the cavity is formed from wires by braiding in a machine direction from a first end of the structure towards an opposite second end. The wires are formed into loops at the first end of the structure so that two lengths of wire extend away from each loop and are formed into the braid. Each of the wires which is formed into the braid is held at the second end of the structure in a clamp. The clamp is provided by a support ring and a clamp ring which is formed from a shape memory alloy which can shrink to clamp the wires against the support ring when heated.

Abstract: A process for the production of an implant and to an implant for surgical use in humans or vertebrates, in particular for the replacement, for the partial replacement or for the strengthening of a damaged intervertebral disk or for the replacement, for the partial replacement or for the strengthening of an anatomical joint. The implant includes at least one wire or at least one fiber. The wire or the fiber is present at least partially as a knitted fabric.

Abstract: A composite surgical implant that is made of a planar sheet of a thermoplastic resin that includes a top surface (400), a bottom surface (410), and a surgical grade metal mesh (405) contained therein. The implant may be bent by hand, wherein upon the displacement of the implant, the implant will generally maintain the shape to which it has been displaced.

Abstract: Biocompatible bone graft material having a biocompatible, resorbable polymer and a biocompatible, resorbable inorganic material exhibiting macro, meso, and microporosities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for producing a planar implant (I) for a human or animal body, which planar implant (I) is preformed corresponding to a desired anatomical shape. The method comprises the following steps: making available a blank of the planar implant; making available a preforming device (V) that comprises a plurality of discrete adjustable support elements (STE) for adjusting an associated plurality of support points in accordance with the desired anatomical shape; defining the desired anatomical shape and determining corresponding settings for the support elements; adjusting the support elements in accordance with the settings determined for the desired anatomical shape; and producing the preformed implant by bending the blank onto the adjusted support elements.

Abstract: A synovial joint implantable apparatus for the reconstruction of skeletal defects with a flexible member, which is preferably resorbable, attached to a rigid structural prosthesis such as a total hip or total knee replacement implant. The cavitary space defined and surrounded by the flexible member is filled with osteoconductive and/or inductive materials which eventually matures into new column of bone. The prosthesis is supported by the bed of graft material surrounding it and is gradually unloaded as the bed matures into solid bone. The fixation of the prosthesis into native bone depends on the specific implant and the anatomic area of its use. The flexible member is secured to the margins of the prosthesis using rails, runners, sutures, or other attachment devices that prevent the escape of the bone graft and maintain an initial column of support for the implant.

Abstract: A support structure implant for location within a bone cavity to support the bone which defines the cavity is formed from wires by braiding in a machine direction from a first end of the structure towards an opposite second end. The wires are formed into loops at the first end of the structure so that two lengths of wire extend away from each loop and a reformed into the braid. Each of the wires which is formed into the braid is held at the second end of the structure in a clamp. The clamp is provided by a support ring and a clamp ring which is formed from a shape memory alloy which can shrink to clamp the wires against the support ring when heated.

Abstract: Methods and instruments for treating an osteoporotic vertebral body or for treating a vertebral compression fracture. An exemplary method includes introducing an open knit structure together with a bone cement into a bone wherein the knit structure extends substantially throughout the interior of the cement volume. In one aspect of the invention, the bone cement volumes cures with the filament structure reinforcing the cement. In another aspect of the invention, the open knit structure is configured to direct flows of bone cement to apply forces for reducing a vertebral compression fracture. In another aspect of the invention, the system provides bone cement flows that extend through the knit structure thus allowing the cement to fully interdigitate with the cancellous bone.

Abstract: Medical implants having a ceramic body reinforced with a plurality of metal wires. Methods of making the implant and methods of implanting the medical implant are also provided.

Abstract: A medical implant system is described for inhibiting infection associated with a joint prosthesis implant. An inventive system includes an implant body made of a biocompatible material which has a metal component disposed on an external surface of the implant body. A current is allowed to flow to the metal component, stimulating release of metal ions toxic to microbes, such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses. One detailed system is completely surgically implantable in the patient such that no part of the system is external to the patient while the system is in use. In addition, externally controlled devices are provided which allow for modulation of implanted components.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for delivering medical devices, such as implants, to desired tissue sites, such as the intervertebral disc. In one aspect, an intervertebral disc repair and diagnostic device that is minimally invasive and that provides precise access to the desired site is provided. In some aspects, the device and method are adapted to deliver, position and expand implants that are initially oriented and compressed for minimally invasive, yet precise and effective implantation.

Abstract: A composite surgical implant that is made of a planar sheet of a thermoplastic resin that includes a top surface (400), a bottom surface (410), and a surgical grade metal mesh (405) contained therein. The implant may be bent by hand, wherein upon the displacement of the implant, the implant will generally maintain the shape to which it has been displaced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a biomedical porous article wherein communicability between the pores in the porous article is ensured and a desired porosity can be easily obtained, the method comprising a plate-like thread cluster formation step in which a plate-like thread cluster is obtained by dispersing many metallic threads made of a biomedical metallic material along a flat surface and entangling them; a compressing step of compressing the plate-like thread cluster into a desired thickness; and a sintering step of sintering the plate-like thread cluster.

Abstract: Biocompatible bone graft material having a biocompatible, resorbable polymer and a biocompatible, resorbable inorganic material exhibiting macro, meso, and microporosities.

Abstract: A coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium of uniform and controlled thickness on a zirconium or zirconium alloy material is accomplished through the oxidative treatment of an amorphous zirconium or zirconium alloy substrate having an altered surface roughness. An oxidized zirconium coating of uniform and controlled thickness is especially useful on orthopedic implants of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys to provide low friction, highly wear resistant surfaces on artificial joints, such as, but not limited to, hip joints, knee joints, shoulders, elbows, and spinal implants. The uniformly thick oxidized zirconium surface of controlled depth on prostheses provide a barrier against implant corrosion caused by ionization of the metal prostheses. The invention is also useful in non-articulating implant devices such as bone plates, bone screws, etc.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method, using pure niobium as a transient liquid reactive braze material, for fabrication of cellular or honeycomb structures, wire space-frames or other sparse builtup structures or discrete articles using Nitinol (near equiatomic titanium-nickel alloy) and related shape-memory and superelastic alloys. Nitinol shape memory alloys (SMAs), acquired in a form such as corrugated sheet, discrete tubes or wires, may be joined together using the newly discovered technique. Pure niobium when brought into contact with Nitinol at elevated temperature, liquefies at temperatures below the melting point and flows readily into capillary spaces between the elements to be joined, thus forming a strong joint. A series of diagrams of the interface at various stages of brazing is illustrated by FIG. 10.

Abstract: Medical implants having a ceramic body reinforced with a plurality of metal wires. Methods of making the implant and methods of implanting the medical implant are also provided.

Abstract: An artificial bone includes a bone-shaped hollow metal body confining a sealed space and having two opposite closed ends, and a porous structure disposed in the sealed space. A method for making the artificial bone includes the steps of: positioning a metal tube in a bone-shaped mold cavity of a mold, hydro-forming the metal tube into a bone-shaped hollow tube in the bone-shaped mold cavity by injecting a high pressure fluid into the metal tube, disposing a crumple of metal wire into the bone-shaped hollow tube, depositing a metal coating on the metal wire and an inner surface of the bone-shaped hollow tube to form a porous structure in the bone-shaped hollow tube, and sealing the bone-shaped hollow tube.

Abstract: Biocompatible bone graft material having a biocompatible, resorbable polymer and a biocompatible, resorbable inorganic material exhibiting macro, meso, and microporosities.

Abstract: A spine stabilization system includes a flexible member attachable to a portion of the spinal column. The member includes components that are oriented and function similar to the natural fiber orientation of the anterior longitudinal ligament and annulus tissue. The use of components resist loading applied by extension and rotation of the spine, while the flexibility of the member does not subject it to the compressive loading of the spinal column segment to which it is attached.

Abstract: An implant device for surgical treatment of spinal disc damage or injury is formed as a resilient body comprising porous TiNi; the body is internally mobile such that it resiliently expands and contracts in response to variation in forces applied externally on the body.

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 spine stabilization system includes a flexible member attachable to a portion of the spinal column. The member includes components that are oriented and function similar to the natural fiber orientation of the anterior longitudinal ligament and annulus tissue. The use of components resist loading applied by extension and rotation of the spine, while the flexibility of the member does not subject it to the compressive loading of the spinal column segment to which it is attached.

Abstract: The present invention relates to orthopedic implants made from a mesh material. The mesh material can be treated in order to promote bone growth, to provide antibiotics, or to provide other beneficial treatment. Specific applications for the implants include, for example, a prosthetic ligament, a tension band, an interbody device, or a fixation device that extends across one or more joints or fractures.

Abstract: Orthopedic implants comprising components of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys having surfaces coated with oxidized zirconium contacting other surface-coated oxidized zirconium are disclosed. Such implants provide low friction, highly wear resistant coatings especially useful in artificial joints, such as hip joints, knee joints, elbows, etc., but also useful in non-articulating implant devices such as bone plates, bone screws, etc.

Abstract: A coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium of uniform and controlled thickness on a zirconium or zirconium alloy material is accomplished through the use of a single phase crystalline material substrate having an altered surface roughness. An oxidized zirconium coating of uniform and controlled thickness is especially useful on orthopedic implants of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys to provide low friction, highly wear resistant surfaces on artificial joints, such as, but not limited to, hip joints, knee joints, shoulders, elbows, and spinal implants. The uniformly thick oxidized zirconium surface of controlled depth on prostheses provide a barrier against implant corrosion caused by ionization of the metal prostheses. The invention is also useful in non-articulating implant devices such as bone plates, bone screws, etc.

Abstract: A spine stabilization system includes a flexible member attachable to a portion of the spinal column. The member includes components that are oriented and function similar to the natural fiber orientation of the anterior longitudinal ligament and annulus tissue. The use of components resist loading applied by extension and rotation of the spine, while the flexibility of the member does not subject it to the compressive loading of the spinal column segment to which it is attached.

Abstract: A coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium of uniform and controlled thickness on a zirconium or zirconium alloy material is accomplished through the use of a single phase crystalline material substrate having an altered surface roughness. An oxidized zirconium coating of uniform and controlled thickness is especially useful on orthopedic implants of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys to provide low friction, highly wear resistant surfaces on artificial joints, such as, but not limited to, hip joints, knee joints, shoulders, elbows, and spinal implants. The uniformly thick oxidized zirconium surface of controlled depth on prostheses provide a barrier against implant corrosion caused by ionization of the metal prostheses. The invention is also useful in non-articulating implant devices such as bone plates, bone screws, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an orthopedic implant that is comprised of a corrugated foraminous sleeve. The sleeve is formed with alternating grooves and ridges, referred to herein as lobes and depressions. The corrugated sleeve may be formed from a sheet provided with openings (foramina), which is then corrugated to impart the lobes and depressions. The sheet may then be enclosed in a loop, such as a circular shape, elliptical shape, or any other shape contemplated by the skilled artisan, to form a corrugated cage that may be used as an orthopedic implant.

Abstract: Orthopedic implants comprising components of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys having surfaces coated with oxidized zirconium contacting other surface-coated oxidized zirconium are disclosed. Such implants provide low friction, highly wear resistant coatings especially useful in artificial joints, such as hip joints, knee joints, elbows, etc., but also useful in non-articulating implant devices such as bone plates, bone screws, etc.

Abstract: Bone augmentation in a mammalian body to enhance the mechanical strength of a prosthesis is provided by reinforcement of bone in the region surrounding the implant device. A number of fibrillar wires are formed on the prosthetic implant device. Formation of the fibrillar wires comprises gauging the implant device so that the fibrillar wires are formed by peeling them from the implant device. Alternatively, formation of the fibrillar wires may comprise forming a mesh of fibrillar wires having a woolly structure, forming the mesh around the prosthetic implant device, and attaching a number of the fibrillar wires to the prosthetic implant device. A coating is formed on the fibrillar wires and an associated prosthetic implant device. The coating comprises bone morphogenetic proteins along with osteoinductive factors and osteoconductive factors that function as nutrients, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory agents, and blood-clotting factors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to orthopedic implants made from a mesh material. The mesh material can be treated in order to promote bone growth, to provide antibiotics, or to provide other beneficial treatment. Specific applications for the implants include, for example, a prosthetic ligament, a tension band, an interbody device, or a fixation device that extends across one or more joints or fractures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mold having split dies to be arranged in opposition about a substrate and an outer frame situated about the perimeter of the split dies, wherein the outer frame and split dies function as a wedge and move slidably so as to convert the load produced by a vertical uniaxial press into load applied from two opposing directions across the horizontal, the split dies move in such a way as to compress the titanium or titanium alloy substrate and uniformly press the side faces thereof so as to impart the required configuration to the substrate, and to artificial bone having high biological affinity produced by the mold.

Abstract: A coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium of uniform and controlled thickness on a zirconium or zirconium alloy material is accomplished through the use of a single phase crystalline material substrate having an altered surface roughness. An oxidized zirconium coating of uniform and controlled thickness is especially useful on orthopedic implants of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys to provide low friction, highly wear resistant surfaces on artificial joints, such as, but not limited to, hip joints, knee joints, shoulders, elbows, and spinal implants. The uniformly thick oxidized zirconium surface of controlled depth on prostheses provide a barrier against implant corrosion caused by ionization of the metal prostheses. The invention is also useful in non-articulating implant devices such as bone plates, bone screws, etc.

Abstract: A metal backing for inclusion in the manufacture of a prosthetic component having a plastic bearing element on an upper surface and has a bottom surface portion with elements for attachment to a bone. The backing has an upper surface portion at least part of which is formed by a grill element having exposed front and rear faces and which is intended to be embedded within the plastic bearing member during construction. The plastic bearing material of the bearing element can be molded so that all the faces thereof exposed to the grill are covered and the grill is embedded within the plastic material of the bearing element. The grill is located on a metal support and is provided with spacers on its front face to space the front face away from the support. The grill is cast integrally into the metal support during manufacture.