Howmedica Osteonics Corporation

Surgical Dynamics, Inc.

Laura A Small

Robert Brosnahan

Julie A Bearcroft

An implant for replacing the supporting function of an intervertebral space defined between adjacent vertebrae includes a prosthetic implant member dimensioned for insertion within a space provided by at least partial removal of the intervertebral disc. The implant member includes a first implant portion and a second implant portion. The first implant portion includes a microporous material formed to define a predetermined configuration and has a first relatively high average porosity to facilitate rapid bone ingrowth within the first implant portion. The second implant portion includes a microporous material formed to define a predetermined configuration and has a second relatively low average porosity to support and maintain the adjacent vertebrae in spaced relation during permanent fixation of the implant member within the adjacent vertebrae. The first implant portion is disposed in a peripheral area of the implant member and the second implant portion is disposed in a central area of the implant member such that the first implant portion substantially encapsulates the second implant portion.

Artificial bone graft implant

The present invention provides for an artificial bone graft implant for use as a replacement for living bone material in surgical procedures requiring the use of bone graft material. The implant has a body configured to be implanted into a prepared site in a patient's bone tissue, with the body having a pair of opposed outer surfaces defining the body. A first and a second porous portion form the body with the first and second porous portions having pores of different sizes such that the average pore size of the first porous portion is greater than the average pore size of the second porous portion. The first porous portion of the body is formed in the shape of a core, with the core being in contact with the opposed outer surfaces of the body, and the second porous portion of the body is formed in the shape of an outer shell. The pore size of the first porous portion of the implant allows for the ingrowth of bone tissue and the pore size of the second portion of the implant allows for a load bearing capacity similar to natural bone.

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Memphis, TN, United States of America

Laura A Small