Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating a polymer workpiece (1) for use in a joint implant. It comprises the steps of placing the polymer workpiece in an explosion chamber, introducing a combustible gas mixture into the explosion chamber and igniting the combustible gas mixture. Igniting the gas mixture in the explosion chamber produces a temperature that lies above the melting point of a polymer of the polymer workpiece.

Abstract: Polymer compositions having one or more antioxidants providing high crosslink density and improved oxidation resistance to the polymer composition and methods for making same. Such polymer compositions can be used to make orthopedic implants.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for orthopedic implants. The implants may include a base member, such as an acetabular shell or an augment, that is configured to couple with an augment, flange cup, mounting member, or any other suitable orthopedic attachment. Any of the implantable components may be include one or more porous surfaces. The porous surface may be textured by protrusions that connect to and extend from the surface. The sizes and concentration of the protrusions may be varied for specific applications to accommodate different implants and patient anatomies. A porous implant may also include one or more internal or external solid portions that strengthen the implant.

Abstract: A covering for delivering a substance or material to a surgical site is provided. The covering, with substance provided therein, may be referred to as a delivery system. Generally, the covering may be formed of polymers for providing extended shelf life and/or increased moisture and radiation resistance, and may include a single or multi-compartment structure capable of at least partially retaining a substance provided therein until the covering is placed at a surgical site. Upon placement, the covering may facilitate transfer of the substance or surrounding materials. For example, the substance may be released (actively or passively) to the surgical site. The covering may participate in, control, or otherwise adjust the release of the substance. In various embodiments, the covering may be formed of a biocompatible material and is suitable for a variety of procedure specific uses.

Abstract: A method of preparing polyurethane prepolymer does not require using a toxic isocyanate monomer (manufactured by harmful phosgene) as a raw material. Epoxy resin and carbon dioxide are used as major raw materials to form cyclic carbonates to be reacted with a functional group oligomer, and then amino groups in a hydrophilic (ether group) or hydrophobic (siloxane group) diamine polymer are used for performing a ring-opening polymerization, and the microwave irradiation is used in the ring-opening polymerization to efficiently synthesize the amino-terminated PU prepolymer, and then an acrylic group at an end is added to manufacture an UV cross-linking PU (UV-PU) oligomer which can be coated onto a fabric surface, and the fabric is dried by UV radiation for a surface treatment to form a washing-resisted long lasting hydrophilic or hydrophobic PU fabric.

Abstract: Disclosed is a graft polymerization method which has solved problems involved in use of a solvent, a radical initiator and high-energy radiation when a monomer is graft-polymerized on the surface of a polymer base. The graft polymerization method is characterized in that a polymerization product is obtained by immersing a polymer base (i) having a ketone group on the surface into a reaction system containing a monomer (ii) and then irradiating the polymer base (i) with light so that polymerization of the monomer starts from the surface of the polymer base (i).

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating or repairing a tissue or organ defect or injury are provided. The devices can include tissue scaffolds produced from acellular tissue matrices and polymers, which have a stable three-dimensional shape and elicit a limited immunologic or inflammatory response.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sliding member with excellent durability and capable of maintaining wear resistance over a long period of time. Further disclosed is an artificial joint member for which the film thickness of the polymer base material is reduced. Further disclosed is an artificial joint which is capable of demonstrating high lubricity, biocompatibility, and resistance to dislocation after introduction into the body. Further disclosed are a medical appliance material and a medical appliance which demonstrate excellent biocompatibility.

Abstract: A novel composition, kit, and method of using the composition as a bone substitute for dental, orthopedic and drug delivery purposes. Specifically, the bone substitute comprises a plurality of polymeric beads having a crosslinkable shell where the shell is cured by light and/or chemical curing.

Abstract: Provided herein re a composition and a coating or a device (e.g., absorbable stent) that includes a PEGylated hyaluronic acid and a PEGylated non-hyaluronic acid biocompatible polymer and the methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention presents methods for making oxidation-resistant and wear-resistant polyethylenes and medical implants made therefrom. Preferably, the implants are components of prosthetic joints, e.g., a bearing component of an artificial hip or knee joint. The resulting oxidation-resistant and wear-resistant polyethylenes and implants are also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant comprising a metallic substrate coated with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) layer, and a layer of a polymeric material placed over the DLC layer that is less stiff than the substrate, and methods of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A system and method for the repair of damaged tissue and bones, congenitally missing tissue/cosmetic reconstruction of tissue is described. The system has a layered porous structure with a sufficiently large area of exposed pores to promote neo-vascularization as well as bone and tissue formation. The disclosed porous implant system can contain bioactive agents necessary for rapid tissue formation and keep ingrowth of unwanted tissue out of the implant surgical site. The implant can be reinforced with an additional, stronger polymer layer and/or may include an endoskeleton or exoskeleton for dimensional stability.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant comprising a metallic substrate coated with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) layer, and a layer of a polymeric material placed over the DLC layer that is less stiff than the substrate, and methods of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides implantable articles and methods of forming implantable articles from a crosslinked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (“UHMWPE”) blend stabilized with Vitamin E. The crosslinked UHMWPE blend may be prepared by combining the UHMWPE material and vitamin E prior to irradiating the UHMWPE blend with electron beam radiation at a sufficient radiation dose rate to induce crosslinking. The crosslinked UHMWPE blend may be incorporated into a variety of implants, and in particular, into endoprosthetic joint replacements.

Abstract: A bone implant includes (a) a first layer provided over a first outer surface of the bone implant and being formed of a first material which is one of water-soluble and degradable in body fluids, the first layer having a first thickness and (b) a second layer provided over an outer periphery of the first layer and being formed of a biocompatible material, the second layer having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness.

Abstract: Provided herein are a method, which comprises implanting in a patient an implantable device comprising a coating that includes a PEGylated hyaluronic acid and a PEGylated non-hyaluronic acid biocompatible polymer and the methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Prosthetic hip stems and acetabular cups for use in prosthetic hip joints. The hip stem may include a core having a stem portion and a neck portion, a polymer matrix layer substantially covering the stem portion of the core, and a porous metal layer substantially covering the polymer matrix layer. The polymer matrix layer connects the core and the porous metal layer and provides a stiffness for the hip stem which more closely mimics the stiffness of bone than do known hip stems. The hip stems and acetabular cups additionally include a number of improvements adapted for more optimized results with certain types of patient anatomy, such as the anatomy of female patients, for example.

Abstract: An orthopaedic bearing includes a metallic component having a polymer composite secured thereto. A method of making an orthopaedic bearing is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to porous ceramic composites incorporating biodegradable polymers for use as a bone substitute in the fields of orthopedics and dentistry or as a scaffold for tissue engineering applications. The porous ceramic composite implant for connective tissue replacement comprises a porous ceramic matrix having a biodegradable polymer provided on internal and external surfaces of the ceramic matrix. The biodegradable polymer allows for the passage and/or delivery of a variety of agents throughout the porous ceramic matrix and improves mechanical properties of the implant in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bearing material of a medical implant comprising a polymer such as UHMWPE and a surface active agent that is not covalently bonded to the polymer. The bearing material has a reduced wear rate. Also disclosed is a method of reducing the wear rate of a polymeric bearing material of a medical implant when it articulates against a hard counterface in the presence of synovial fluid, the method comprising providing a surface active agent in the synovial fluid in close proximity to the bearing surface, the hard counterface, or both.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers and, specifically, to surface modification of polymers. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention increases the bond strength of UHMWPE components to PMMA bone cement by creating a chemical bond between the UHMWPE components and the PMMA bone cement. Specifically, in one exemplary embodiment, a surface of the UHMWPE component that is to be bonded to PMMA bone cement is treated with an oxidizing agent, such as an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE component is treated with hydrogen peroxide by swabbing the surface of the UHMWPE component with the hydrogen peroxide solution. The surface of the UHMWPE component may then be dried and PMMA bone cement applied to the surface of the UHMWPE component.

Abstract: An artificial joint member made of a polymeric material including a portion made of a polymeric substance has a sliding surface composed of a polymer having phosphoryl choline groups. With such an arrangement, the artificial joint member is provided with a sliding part capable of keeping a satisfactory lubricating state for a long time.

Abstract: An orthopedic device having a protective coating bonded to the substrate material of the device. The protective coating includes a thin layer of tetrahedral bonded Carbon (ta-C). The substrate also optionally includes an interface layer to facilitate the initial bonding and retention of the ta-C layer. The ta-C layer has a concentration of sp3 bonded carbon which varies through its thickness, such as varying in individual layers forming the protective coating. The protective coating may also be doped with various materials, either through its thickness, or at either an inner or an outer interface, or both, or include ion diffusion barriers.

Abstract: Disclosed are medical devices having textured surfaces and biocompatible coatings disposed thereon. The textured surfaces allow for durable coatings to be applied to the medical device without a previous pre-coating having been applied. The biocompatible coating can further comprise a bioactive agent.

Abstract: Provided herein are a coating or a device (e.g., absorbable stent) that includes a PEGylated hyaluronic acid and a PEGylated non-hyaluronic acid biocompatible polymer and the methods of use thereof.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a device body at least partially formed of a polymeric material including a base polymer and a block copolymer. The block copolymer includes at least one polyethylene oxide (PEO) block and at least one silicone (SI) block, wherein the weight average molecular weight of the block copolymer is in the range of about 400 to about 50,000.

Abstract: Coatings for implantable medical devices and methods for fabricating thereof are disclosed. The coatings include a layer comprising a hydrophobic polymer and a layer comprising a hydrophilic or amphiphilic polymer.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating coatings for implantable medical devices are disclosed. The coatings include hydrophilic and hydrophobic components. The methods provide for treatment of the coatings to cause enrichment a region close to, at or on the outer surface of the coating with the hydrophilic component.

Abstract: Bone tissue at the interface of a bone implant is shielded from stresses found in normal bone because of the higher stiffness or rigidity in the implant versus in bone. The resulting “stress shielding” of the bone by the implant eventually results in resorption of bone at the bone-implant interface and ultimately necessitates replacement of the bone implant. To overcome these problems, an implantable biomimetic prosthetic bone having a porous surface, a fiber-reinforced composite structure, and a polymer-based core is disclosed. The prosthetic bone is a good match for structure, stiffness, viscoelastic properties, specific weight and overall structure as real bone or host tissues adjacent to the prosthetic bone. The prosthetic bone may be formed as a total hip prosthesis.

Abstract: A crosslinkable macromer system and related methods of preparing the system and using the system in the form of a crosslinked matrix between a tissue site and an implant article such as a tissue implant or on the porous surface of a prosthetic device. The macromer system includes two or more polymer-pendent polymerizable groups and one or more multifunctional initiator groups. The polymerizable groups and the initiator group(s), when polymer-pendent, can be pendent on the same or different polymeric backbones. The macromer system provides advantages over the use of polymerizable macromers and separate, low molecular weight initiators, including advantages with respect to such properties as nontoxicity, efficiency, and solubility. A macromer system of the invention can be used as an interface between the tissue site and implant article in a manner sufficient to permit tissue growth through the crosslinked matrix and between the tissue site and implant.

Abstract: Methods provide a non-eluting antioxidant doped UHMWPE in the form of an implant bearing component. The process includes the steps of: (a) providing a preform; (b) irradiating the preform with ?-irradiation to crosslink the UHMWPE; (c) doping the crosslinked preform by exposing it to an antioxidant composition at a temperature below the melting point of the UHMWPE; (d) removing the doped material from contact with the antioxidant composition; and then (e) annealing by heating the doped material at a temperature above 30° C. and below the melting point of the UHMWPE; followed by (f) making an implant bearing component from the doped material, wherein at least 1 mm but no more than about 15 mm of material are removed to make the component.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, such as a stent, is disclosed having a coating. The coating includes a poly(butylene terephthalate-co-ethylene glycol)polymer. The coating can also include a drug.

Abstract: Star polymers of soft segment forming monomers are useful in forming surgical devices. The star polymers can be endcapped with isocyanate, mixed with a filler and/or cross-linked. The polymer compositions are useful, for example, as fiber coatings, surgical adhesives or bone putty, or tissue growth substrate.

Abstract: A crosslinkable macromer system and related methods of preparing the system and using the system in the form of a crosslinked matrix between a tissue site and an implant article such as a tissue implant or on the porous surface of a prosthetic device. The macromer system includes two or more polymer-pendent polymerizable groups and one or more initiator groups (e.g., polymer-pendent initiator groups). The polymerizable groups and the initiator group(s), when polymer-pendent, can be pendent on the same or different polymeric backbones. The macromer system provides advantages over the use of polymerizable macromers and separate, low molecular weight initiators, including advantages with respect to such properties as nontoxicity, efficiency, and solubility. A macromer system of the invention can be used as an interface between the tissue site and implant article in a manner sufficient to permit tissue growth through the crosslinked matrix and between the tissue site and implant.

Abstract: A stent comprising a coating layer is disclosed. The coating layer has a hydrophobic component and a hydrophilic component, wherein a region of the coating layer on or about the outermost surface of the coating layer has a higher content or concentration of the hydrophilic component than the hydrophobic component.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a polysaccharide excreted by the Vibrio diabolicus species for making a medicine with cicatrising activity, in particular bone repair activity. The invention also concerns a bone reconstruction biomaterial comprising said polysaccharide and a bone endoprosthesis whereof the surface is coated with such a polysaccharide.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating coatings for implantable medical devices are disclosed. The coatings include blends of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers. The methods provide for treatment of the coatings to cause enrichment a region close to the outer surface of the coating with the hydrophilic polymers.

Abstract: An artificial joint member made of a polymeric material including a portion made of a polymeric substance has a sliding surface composed of a polymer having phosphoryl choline groups. With such an arrangement, the artificial joint member is provided with a sliding part capable of keeping a satisfactory lubricating state for a long time.

Abstract: A medical implant made of polymeric material having an increased oxidation resistance is formed by a method including the steps of placing a resin powder in a sealed container. A substantial portion of the oxygen is removed from the sealed contained by either a vacuum, an oxygen absorbent or by flushing with inert gas. The container is then repressurized with a gas such as nitrogen, argon, helium or neon so that long term storage may be possible. On use, the resin in transferred to a forming device which both melts and forms the resin in an oxygen reduced atmosphere to produce a polymeric raw material such as a rod or bar stock. The medical implant is then formed from this raw material annealed and sealed in an airtight package in an oxygen reduced atmosphere. The implant is then radiation sterilized and thereafter annealed in the package for a predetermined time and temperature sufficient to form cross-links between any free radicals in neighboring polymeric chains.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing bioactive implant surfaces consisting of metallic or ceramic materials, to be used for implants such as artificial joints or very small implants such as so-called stents. The invention also relates to implants produced according to this method.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant, and method for making same, is described. The prosthetic implant preferably has a porous coating containing a plurality of pores therein. A biodegradable material is introduced into the pores, preferably under vacuum conditions, and substantially fills the pores. Because the pores are filled with the biodegradable material, they hinder infiltration of wear particles generated during loading of the prosthetic implant. Simultaneously, the biodegradable material permits infiltration of new bone tissue into the filled pores.

Abstract: An increase in agent residence time at a tissue site is provided for by the presence of a barrier. The barrier is a separate entity from the agent when introduced to the tissue. A binding member is included in the barrier for coupling the barrier to the surface of the tissue. In one embodiment, agent is introduced to the tissue prior to attachment of the barrier to the tissue. In another embodiment, agent is presented after the barrier is positioned on the tissue surface. A delivery vehicle may be used to administer the agent and barrier to a patient.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of a polysaccharide excreted by the Vibrio diabolicus species for making a medicine with cicatrising activity, in particular bone repair activity. The invention also concerns a bone reconstruction biomaterial comprising said polysaccharide and a bone endoprosthesis whereof the surface is coated with such a polysaccharide.

Abstract: A medical implant coated with a polymeric material having hydrophilicity and osteoconductivity. When the implant is embedded in depth in a living body, the polymeric material absorbs moisture to swell up, bringing about an effect of dispersing the external stress applied to the implant. This volumetric increase also brings the implant into close contact with the bone of the implantation site, thus remarkably improving the stability in the early stage of the implantation and more strengthening the osseointegration of the implant in the bone as time passes.

Abstract: Coatings for hard tissue and surfaces of the oral environment are provided that reduce adhesion of bacteria and proteinaceous substances to these surfaces. Methods of reducing adhesion of these materials to such surfaces, and polymers for incorporation into such coatings are also provided.

Abstract: An orthopedic surgical implant of one or more components having a surface which is to be contacted by body tissue and/or fluid. The surface contains an inorganic antimicrobial agent either incorporated in the material forming a component having the surface or incorporated in a coating, such as of the adhesive or powder spray type, applied to the surface.

Abstract: A method by which immune responses to cortical bone grafts and other substrates (e.g., cement, IPN, etc.) can be minimized and at the same time graft osteoinductive potential can be improved, and improved graft substrate materials are disclosed. The method of the invention provides new types of bone grafts that incorporate into host bone more thoroughly and more rapidly, eliminating long-term complications, such as fracture, non-union, infection, and rejection. In the method of the invention, bone grafts or other substrates are modified to have an osteoinductive surface modification that the recipient's body will accept as its own tissue type and therefore will not reject or otherwise cause to fail. The osteoinductive surface modification comprises a biopolymer matrix coating that is seeded with periosteal cells that have been previously harvested either from the graft recipient or from an allogenic or xenogenic donor source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a joint prosthesis system for the joining of two bones. The bioabsorbable joint prosthesis system includes at least one bioabsorbable spacer and at least one connector adapted to be fixedly attached to the two bones, at least a portion of the connector being in contact with the spacer to prevent lateral movement of the spacer. The present invention also includes embodiments drawn to methods of using the joint prosthesis system. In an embodiment of the present invention, the method includes interposing at least one bioabsorbable spacer between the surface of the bones to be joined and connecting the bones with at least one connector such that at least a part of the connector contacts the bioabsorbable spacer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polymeric prosthesis precoated with a bone cement compatible polymer. The bone cement compatible polymer coating, is provided by an activated powder mixture of polymethyl methacrylate and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene which is bonded to the outer surface of the prosthesis by sintering. Once bonded to a polymeric prosthesis in accordance with the present invention, the precoat strengthens the interface between a bone cement and a prosthesis when the prosthesis is later implanted. The inner layer of the prosthesis may be provided of cross-linked UHMWPE powder sintered with virgin UHMWPE powder or fibers to provide a intermediate layer(s) of the coating present on the prosthesis. The precoat also decreases the likelihood that the prosthesis will loosen and break away from the cement over time.