Abstract: A new composition and medical implant made there from comprises a thick diffusion hardened zone, and layered ceramic surface. Orthopedic implants comprising the new composition, methods of making the new composition, and methods of making orthopedic implants comprising the new composition are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming a ceramic article useful as a bone substitute and having an outer surface defining a shape having a bulk volume and having open, interconnecting openings extending throughout the volume and opening through the surface, includes, providing an organic open-pore structure, coating surface of pores of the structure with a ceramic slip, pyrolyzing the organic structure to leave a ceramic structure having struts defining a plurality of interconnecting interstices, and providing within the interstices a porous osteoconductive composition exposed to the interconnecting openings. In a preferred embodiment, the ceramic slip includes a strong, supportive ceramic material and a separate osteoconductive material.

Abstract: A bioceramic endoprosthesis includes a reservoir or deposition of a bioactive substance, such as an angiogenic growth factor, that can provide a biological function, such as vascularization of the endoprosthesis. Such a bioceramic can be prepared by a low temperature direct rapid prototyping inkjet printing system and process. Such a direct inkjet printing process includes the following: applying a ceramic powder to a substrate; inkjet printing a binder solution onto the ceramic powder so as to form a bound ceramic; inkjet printing a bioactive substance solution onto the bound ceramic, wherein the bioactive substance is printed on the bound ceramic at the low temperature (e.g., room temperature or within +/?10° C. of 25° C.); and repeating the process in order to form the bioceramic endoprosthesis.

Abstract: A method for producing a porous body comprising apatite/collagen composite fibers comprising the steps of gelling a dispersion comprising long apatite/collagen composite fibers having an average length of 10-75 mm, short apatite/collagen composite fibers having an average length of 0.05-1 mm, and a liquid; freezing and drying the resultant gel to form a porous body; and cross-linking collagen in the porous body.

Abstract: Living cellular material is encapsulated or placed in a protective material (cell protector) which is biocompatible, biodegradable and has a three-dimensional form. The three dimensional form is incorporated into a matrix that maybe implanted in vivo, ultimately degrade and thereby by replaced by living cell generated material.

Abstract: An implant comprises or consists of titanium and has one or more surfaces which can be applied in or on a bone growth area. One or more of the said surfaces are arranged with a depot for bone-growth-initiating or bone-growth-stimulating substance, which depot is formed by a pore arrangement in a relatively thick oxide layer on the titanium. The substance is acted on, for a considerable period of time, by one or more release functions for the substance which permit a controlled or optimized release of substance to the surrounding tissue or bone growth area.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a substitute component for bone, including the processes of: provision of a chemical spray including at least three of calcium chloride, hydrogen phosphate, hydrogen carbonate and water to form a combined solution; reaction and precipitation of the combined solution onto a substrate; allowing the precipitated particles to form a porous structure on the substrate; applying substantially isostatic pressure to the porous structure to form a compressed structure; and (optional) providing one or more through-holes in the compressed structure to promote osteoinduction.

Abstract: A porous calcium phosphate ceramic body comprising a substrate 1, and three-dimensional nanotunnel layers 2 formed on wall surfaces of the substrate 1, the three-dimensional nanotunnel layers 2 having pluralities of three-dimensionally connected nanotunnels 21.

Abstract: Medical implants exhibiting optimized mechanical properties, and methods of making such implants, are disclosed. That is, the implants are fabricated of a porous metal substrate and include coating integrated over various areas so as to provide some added or desirable property or functionality to the implant. In one embodiment, the implant is an acetabular implant with a coating applied to an internal, concave wear surface which is sized and configured to receive a head of a femur. Typically, the coating is a ceramic incorporated onto the desired area of the implant via electrophoretic deposition.

Abstract: A composite vertebroplasty cement for positioning in a void in a vertebral body so as to treat a compression fracture in that vertebral body, the composite vertebroplasty cement comprising: a ceramic component for integrating with the vertebral body so as to treat the compression fracture; and a sealing component for sealing the void in the vertebral body so as to maintain the composite vertebroplasty cement within the void in the vertebral body. A composite vertebroplasty cement for positioning in a void in a vertebral body so as to treat a compression fracture in that vertebral body, the composite vertebroplasty cement comprising: a conventional PMMA bone cement component for integrating with the vertebral body so as to treat the compression fracture; and a sealing component for sealing the void in the vertebral body so as to maintain the composite vertebroplasty cement within the void in the vertebral body.

Abstract: A combination of a metal and Sn may be used as a solvent material for bulk crystallization and sintering of single crystal diamond to form a biocompatible and corrosion-resistant biomedical device.

Abstract: Formed compositions for application to a bone surface of a human or animal subject, comprising: a bone material; and a carrier comprising denatured demineralized bone, where the composition is formed into a shape suitable for administration to the bone. Methods are provided for making formed compositions for application to a bone surface of a human or animal subject comprise mixing a demineralized bone and water; heating the mixture to form a carrier; mixing the carrier with bone to form a moldable composition; and molding the moldable composition to produce a formed composition. Several apparatuses are provided in which to hydrate the formed bone composition. Methods of hydrating a formed bone composition are also provided.

Abstract: A prosthesis for articulation (e.g., hip or joint prosthesis) is provided, which includes a pair of articulation components respectively defining a pair of articulation surfaces movably engageable with each other. In some embodiments, each of the articulation surfaces is formed from a biocompatible ceramic (e.g., doped silicon nitride ceramic) having a flexural strength greater than about 700 Mega-Pascal (MPa) and a toughness greater than about 7 Mega-Pascal root meter (MPam0.5).

Abstract: A prosthetic implant having a thermally treated ceramic coating and a method of producing a coated prosthetic implant. The ceramic coating is deposited onto the prosthetic implant such as by a plasma spray coating process. The prosthetic implant is thermally treated in a low oxygen environment to increase the hardness and wear-resistance of the ceramic coating for improved articulation of the prosthetic implant.

Abstract: A bone replacement filler comprising a biomedical ceramic particulate, wherein the filler is able to flow without the application of an external shear stress or compressive force or under a relatively low shear stress or compressive force, but resists flow or does not flow when subjected to a higher shear stress or compressive force, and wherein at least some of the particles in the ceramic particulate have a micro-porous surface structure and/or a micro-porous sub-surface structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to implantable compositions, and method for preparing same, containing a calcium salt-containing component, optionally demineralized bone, a plurality of discrete fibers, optionally a flow additive, and optionally continuous reinforcing fibers or an array of organized fibers in the form of mesh. Advantageously, the discrete fibers have a specific aspect ratio (length/diameter) from about 50:1 to about 1000:1. The addition of a small amount of discrete fibers and/or the continuous reinforcing fibers or fiber mesh can cause drastic increases in certain mechanical properties including flexural strength, flexural toughness, and/or screw pullout strength.

Abstract: A sintered ceramic material comprising: a) from 98-50% by volume of zirconia as a matrix, i) stabilized with a stabilizing composition having ii) of from about 2 to about 3 mole percent of yttria and of from about 10 to about 15 mole percent of ceria; wherein the term mole percent is related to the zirconia matrix and iii) the stabilizing composition is present in the range of from about 1:99 to about 99:1; and b) from about 2 to about 50% by volume of alumina of which from about 5 to about 90% by volume is in the form of hexagonal platelets of general formula REAl 11018, where RE stands for rare earth metal.

Abstract: A bone graft material comprising about 50-90% quickly bioresorbable porogen particles and about 10-50% of a calcium matrix material. A bioactive substance can be included in the matrix material, the porogen particles, or both. Commercial packages containing the bone graft materials and methods for repairing bone therewith are also claimed.

Abstract: Provision of a porous ceramic material which rapidly induces bone tissue formation and has practical strength. A porous ceramic material 11 having substantially unidirectionally oriented pores 12, a porosity of 40-90%, and an average open area of one pore of 0.05×10?3-50×10?3 mm2 both in a first sectional surface perpendicular to the pore 12 orientation direction and a second sectional surface parallel to the first sectional surface and 5 mm distant from the first sectional surface in the pore 12 Orientation direction. Using the material 11, when a cylindrical test piece (diameter 3 mm×height 5 mm, the pore 12 array direction as a height direction) made of the material is dipped in polyethylene glycol up to 1 mm from one end thereof, polyethylene glycol permeates through the whole test piece preferably within 30 seconds.

Abstract: A bone graft substitute includes a porous matrix at least partially covered by a reinforcing outer layer. The porous matrix may be a collagen-ceramic composite, and the reinforcing outer layer may be formed from highly cross-linked collagen. The implant may also include one or more reinforcement ribs, which may be made from calcium phosphate or dense collagen. In addition, the bone graft substitute preferably includes an effective amount of a bioactive agent, such as BMP-2, rhBMP-2, or functional fragments thereof. The bioactive agent is preferably disposed within the porous matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed are a gradient bioceramic coating comprising a rare earth oxide, a broadband laser method for preparing the bioceramic coating, and the use of the bioceramic coating in the field of medical materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic implant made of a ceramic metal composite. The composite (28, 48, 54) includes one phase that is a biocompatible metal or metal alloy and a second phase of ceramic particles examples of which include carbides, nitrides and/or oxides. In some embodiments, the implant comprises a homogeneous ceramic layer (24) as part of a multi-layered composition. In some embodiments, the multilayered composition comprises a homogeneous metal layer (32).

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a sterile composite bone graft for use in implants comprising a central member constructed of biocompatible plastic with two end caps of cortical bone mated to opposite ends of the central member. The central member is cylindrically ring shaped with a plurality of ribs formed in the side wall of the cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new composition and medical implant made therefrom, the composition comprising a thick diffusion hardened zone, and preferably further comprising a ceramic layer. The present invention relates to orthopedic implants comprising the new composition, methods of making the new composition, and methods of making orthopedic implants comprising the new composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for producing a calcium phosphate cement or filler which hardens in a temperature dependent fashion in association with an endothermic reaction. In the reaction a limited amount of water is mixed with dry calcium phosphate precursors to produce a hydrated precursor paste. Hardening of the paste occurs rapidly at body temperature and is accompanied by the conversion of one or more of the reactants to poorly crystalline apatitic calcium phosphate. The hardened cements, fillers, growth matrices, orthopedic and delivery devices of the invention are rapidly resorbable and stimulate hard tissue growth and healing. A composite material is provided including a strongly bioresorbable, poorly crystalline apatitic calcium phosphate composite and a supplementary material. The supplementary material is in intimate contact with the hydroxyapatite material in an amount effective to impart a selected characteristic to the composite.

Abstract: A chemically bonded biomaterial element composed of an inorganic cement, exhibiting minimal dimensional changes upon hardening and long-time use, improved mechanical properties and improved translucency. An algorithm to describe the micro-structure is expressed as ? = d * ( 1 - V F ) ( V F ) where ? is the distance between filler particles of mean size d, and VF is the volume content of non-reacted cement and added filler, and where ??10 ?m. The invention also relates to a device in connection with the preparation of a chemically bonded biomaterial element according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to implantable compositions, and method for preparing same, containing a calcium salt-containing component, optionally demineralized bone, a plurality of discrete fibers, optionally a flow additive, and optionally continuous reinforcing fibers or an array of organized fibers in the form of mesh. Advantageously, the discrete fibers have a specific aspect ratio (length/diameter) from about 50:1 to about 1000:1. The addition of a small amount of discrete fibers and/or the continuous reinforcing fibers or fiber mesh can cause drastic increases in certain mechanical properties including flexural strength, flexural toughness, and/or screw pullout strength.

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: A preassembled acetabular cup prosthesis comprising an outer shell and a ceramic liner located within the shell, said preassembled unit having been assembled ex-vivo under a controlled force selected to optimise the pre-stressing of the components of the prosthesis.

Abstract: Ceramic materials operable to repair a defect in bone of a human or animal subject comprising a porous ceramic scaffold having a bioresorbable coating, and a carrier comprising denatured demineralized bone. The ceramic may contain a material selected from the group consisting of hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, calcium phosphates, calcium carbonates, calcium sulfates, and combinations thereof. The compositions may also contain a bone material selected from the group consisting of: bone powder, bone chips, bone shavings, and combinations thereof. The bioresorbable coating may be, for example, demineralized bone matrix, gelatin, collagen, hyaluronic acid, chitosan, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polypropylenefumarate, polyethylene glycol, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A biomedical member having high strength, high toughness and high hardness and an artificial joint that uses the same are provided. In addition, a biomedical member that exhibits high wear resistance even in in vivo environment and an artificial joint are provided. Such a composite ceramic is used that contains 65% by weight or more Al2O3, 4 to 34% by weight of ZrO2 and 0.1 to 4% by weight of SrO, while Sr forms a solid solution with part of the ZrO2 grains. The composite ceramics further contains TiO2, MgO and SiO2 as sintering additives, while controlling the amounts to 0.20% by weight or more SiO2, 0.22% by weight or more TiO2 and 0.12% by weight or more MgO, and the total amount of SiO2, TiO2 and MgO within a range from 0.6 to 4.5% by weight.

Abstract: A composite of polymer or ceramic material has reinforcing fibers. The composite is for use in manufacturing medical implants like osteosynthesis plates, endoprostheses, screw coupling elements, surgical instruments, and similar components. The fibers and fibrous parts are made from a material that absorbs X-rays so that it can be seen during X-ray examination.

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: The present invention provides a porous bioceramics for bone scaffold. The porous bioceramics according to the present invention comprises a biocompatible porous ceramic substrate having the property to thermal-decompose hydroxyapatite in contact with it; a fluorapatite (FA) inner layer formed on said porous ceramic substrate; and a hydroxyapatite (HA) outer layer formed on said fluorapatite inner layer. The insertion of FA intermediate layer can prevent the thermal reaction between ZrO2 and HA. Therefore, the present invention can provide the implant material into human body having excellent mechanical properties of zirconia as well as the biocompatibility, bioaffinity and bioactivity of HA. The present invention can also provide the implant material to promote osteoconduction and osteointegration in human body.

Abstract: A hip prosthesis has a shaft which is implantable in the femur, a ball head anchored on the shaft, a socket in which the ball head is movably supported, and a bipolar shell placed between the ball head and the socket, whereby the ball head rotates in the bipolar shell and the bipolar shell rotates in the socket.

Abstract: A hydraulic cement is based on calcium phosphate for surgical use, and includes three components. The first component includes ?-tricalcium phosphate powder particles. The second, component includes calcium sulphate dehydrate. The third component includes water. Furthermore the hydraulic cement does not contain more calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH) than 10% of the total amount of the calcium sulphate dihydrate (CSD).

Abstract: An article coated with an electrolytically deposited bio-compatible composite layer useful as an internal prosthetic device is disclosed. The bio-compatible composite coating that is electrolytically deposited onto the article comprises hydroxyapatite and chitosan. The introduction of chitosan into the crystal matrix of brushite/hydroxyapatite significantly improves the adhesive and chemical and mechanical stability properties of the coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metallic implant, which has vitreous-crystalline bioactive material on the surface thereof. According to the invention, a metallic implant base body arranged on the surface of the particles has a bioactive, vitreous-crystalline material consisting of 15-45 wt. % CaO, 40-45 wt. % P2O5, 10-40 wt. % ZrO2 and 0.7-3.5 wt. % fluoride, having apatite and calcium zirconium phosphate as main crystalline and a glass phase as an auxiliary component. Said vitreous crystalline material contains at least 35 wt. % main crystal phases and at least 5-15 wt. % auxiliary compounds. All of the percentage data is expressed in relation to the total weight of the vitreous crystalline material and the particle size of the vitreous crystalline material is between 60-350 ?m.

Abstract: A process for making a sintered ceramic medical device, comprising providing an unsintered ceramic composition, forming the unsintered ceramic composition into a green body that comprises unsintered ceramic, irradiating the green body with microwave radiation, and cooling the sintered body. The microwave radiation has a frequency capable of heating the unsintered ceramic to a temperature sufficient to sinter the green body, thereby preparing a sintered ceramic medical device. A medical device comprising volumetrically sintered ceramic, and a volumetrically sintered ceramic are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a functionalized ceramic body for in vitro and in vivo use comprising a calcium aluminate containing phase that is functionalized with a linker group comprising at least one of an organic acid molecule, a phosphonic acid, an amine, and N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide for providing a reactive location for the attachment of at least one of another chemical moiety or a biologically active moiety to the ceramic body. Functionalized compositions are provided comprising a calcium aluminate containing phase that is functionalized with the linker group. Methods of manufacturing a functionalized artificial prosthesis that may be used as artificial bones, joints, in-vitro support structures, and in-vivo support structures for cells, tissues, organs, and nerve growth and regeneration are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an absorbable, conformable composite preform for use in making a solid bone filler which is an absorbable mixture of oppositely charged, solid microparticulate polyelectrolytes encased in a sealed, flexible, absorbable copolyester fabric construct and is capable of undergoing solidification to a solid, integral mass having a modulus of more than about 0.5 GPa upon contact with an aqueous medium. In an alternative embodiment the absorbable copolyester fabric construct is filled with a mixture of a microparticulate zincophosphate glass or glass-ceramic and at least one material carrying both acidic and basic groups on the same molecule.

Abstract: An injectable heat generating biocompatible ceramic compositions based on hydraulic calcium aluminate, which can be used for therapeutic treatment in vivo, such as tumour treatment, pain control, vascular treatment, drug activation etc, when curing in situ, and which form a biocompatible solid material that can be left in the body for prolonged periods of time without causing negative health effects, and can also be used to restore the mechanical properties of the skeleton after cancerous diseases as well as in a medical implant, an orthopaedic implant, and a dental implant as a dental filling material.

Abstract: An implant for deployment in select locations or select tissue for regeneration of tissue is disclosed. The implant comprising collagen and or other bio-resorbable materials, where the implant may also be used for therapy delivery. Additionally, the implant may be “matched” to provide the implant with similar physical and/or chemical properties as the host tissue.

Abstract: An implantable material for deployment in select locations or select tissue for tissue regeneration is disclosed. The implant comprises collagen, ceramics, and or other bio-resorbable materials or additives, where the implant may also be used for therapy delivery. Additionally, the implant may be “matched” to provide the implant with similar physical and/or chemical properties as the host tissue.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a structural and mechanical model and modeling methods for human bone based on bone's hierarchical structure and on its hierarchical mechanical behavior. The model allows for the assessment of bone deformations, computation of strains and stresses due to the specific forces acting on bone during function, and contemplates forces that do or do not cause viscous effects and forces that cause either elastic or plastic bone deformation.

Abstract: An implant for deployment in select locations or select tissue for regeneration of tissue is disclosed. The implant comprising collagen and or other bio-resorbable materials, where the implant may also be used for therapy delivery. Additionally, the implant may be “matched” to provide the implant with similar physical and/or chemical properties as the host tissue.

Abstract: An implantable material for deployment in select locations or select tissue for tissue regeneration is disclosed. The implant comprises collagen, ceramics, and or other bio-resorbable materials or additives, where the implant may also be used for therapy delivery. Additionally, the implant may be “matched” to provide the implant with similar physical and/or chemical properties as the host tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass used as a sintering aid for a resorbable molded body containing calcium phosphate as well as to a method for manufacturing said molded body. According to the invention, the material is ?-tricalcium phosphate and the glass has a chemical composition of 68–78% by weight SiO2, 5–12% by weight MgO and 12–27% by weight Na2O. The aforesaid molded body is manufactured by melting said glass, grinding it until a grain size D50 of 0.7–2 ?m is achieved and mixing it with ?-tricalcium phosphate having a grain size D50 of 1–7.5 ?m, giving the mixture the desired shape and producing the molded body by sintering said mixture at between 1,150 and 1,350° C., wherein the grain size of ?-TCP must not be smaller than that of the glass.

Abstract: The present invention provides a geometric/material computer model of hierarchical bone based upon the viscoelastic properties of longitudinal and alternate osteons. The viscoelastic properties of osteons include, for example, mechanical properties and osteon content of various components such as collagen, mucopolysacharides, hydroxyapatite, osteocytes and osteoblasts. The invention also provides a method for preparing such a model.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a synthetic biomaterial compound based on stabilized calcium phosphates and more particularly to the molecular, structural and physical characterization of this compound. The compound comprises calcium, oxygen and phosphorous, wherein at least one of the elements is substituted with an element having an ionic radius of approximately 0.1 to 1.1 ?. The knowledge of the specific molecular and chemical properties of the compound allows for the development of several uses of the compound in various bone-related clinical conditions.