Other

Thm Biomedical, Inc.

Howmedica Corp.

Seikagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha

Richard D Coutts

John H Brekke

Frederick J Kummer

David Amiel

Robert M Healey

Provided are a method for evaluation of tissue adhesion level which comprises relating the detection result of gadolinium from MRI image, on which a cross-section of a 'boundary surface between a first tissue and a second tissue' of an animal administered with gadolinium has been imaged, to the adhesion level between the first tissue and the second tissue; and a detecting agent of tissue adhesion level. The detecting method of the present invention and detecting agent of the present invention are markedly useful, because they make it possible to detect the adhesion level, which is otherwise difficult to detect from the outside of the body, conveniently, speedily and precisely.

Method for evaluation of tissue adhesion level

A biodegradable device for facilitating healing of structural voids in bone, cartilage as well as soft tissue is disclosed in the most preferred form including a porous macrostructure made from a biodegradable polymer and a chemotactic ground substance in the form of an RGD attachment moiety of fibronectin formed as a porous microstructure. For repair of articular cartilage, harvested precursor cells are secured to the biodegradable carrier which is shaped for press fitting into the articular cartilage lesion. In the most preferred form, the chemotactic ground substance enhances the attractiveness of the biodegradable device for cellular attachment at the site of repair and also facilitates the attachment of free, precursor cells such as chondrocytes and bone marrow to the biodegradable device. In the most preferred form, biological modifiers such as transforming growth factor B and basic fibroblastic growth factor is incorporated in the biodegradable device to mediate cellular activity and regulate cellular functions.

Method and device for reconstruction of articular cartilage

The present invention relates to methods to provide superior fixation of orthopedic devices within bones, through use of a resorbable cement material. As well, methods to provide temporary fixation of orthopedic devices within bones until the natural bone tissue may ingrow with the device are also disclosed. The methods are broadly applicable to repair of fractures or other divisive or compressive maladies in bones, augmentation of the osteopenic skeleton, and attachment of prostheses.

Fixation of orthopedic devices

A continuous passive motion apparatus for improving the healing of patients from operation of the limbs includes a base support plate with a thigh support member pivotally connected to the base and a lower leg support member pivotally connected to the outer end of the thigh support member with flexible drive links connected respectively to the outer ends of the thigh support member and lower leg support member and to a drive variable speed motor having a variable length crank arm with means in the form of pulleys for specifically adjusting and altering the direction of motion of the flexible drive links. The speed and length of the motions can be separately and independently adjustable by selective adjustment of the drive motor, crank arm and the respective drive links. An alternate embodiment utilizes a guide track in place of one link for guiding the outer end of the thigh support member. The method includes the continuous movement of a limb within specific selected ranges and duration for the improvement of the healing process as well as enhancing the mobility of the limb upon healing. There is an additional beneficial effect upon venous circulation in the limb which may influence the incidence of postoperative thromboembolic disease.

Continuous passive motion method and apparatus

A novel bone prosthesis for use in healing a bone fracture is disclosed comprising a strong, rigid non-absorbable structural member and a biologically absorbable element held in use under compression against the structural member. Use of the novel prosthesis combines an excellent initial stabilization of the fixed fracture with a gradual shifting of stress-bearing from the prosthesis to the bone in the fracture region as the fracture heals. Thus, problems associated with stress-shielding during healing are alleviated. The structural member may be, e.g., a bone plate, intramedullary rod or hip nail.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Richard D Coutts