Method of preparing a gel matrix for grafting to a bone

Abstract

A method of preparing a graft material for a bone surface at a surgical site includes providing a first syringe having continuous side wall having an inner surface and an outer surface wherein the syringe has a first end and a second end wherein the inner surface defines a chamber. An adapter is removably attached to the distal end of the syringe wherein the adapter has a throughbore in fluid communication with the chamber. A first selected amount of solid bone graft material is disposed within the chamber. A plunger is inserted into the chamber to define a selected volume between a distal end of the plunger and the second end of the first syringe. A second syringe containing a selected amount of a liquid biomaterial is attached to the adapter wherein the second syringe is in fluid communication with the adapter and the first syringe such that the liquid biomaterial is transferred from the second syringe to the first syringe. After a selected amount of time, the biomaterial forms a gel matrix containing the solid bone graft material. The adapter is removed to provide an unobstructed opening at the second end and the plunger is depressed to force the gel matrix from the chamber of the first syringe.