Compositions useful as bone fillers or dental composites are provided which may include a sterilizing agent.

A spinal cage for implantation between two adjacent vertebrae includes a polymer composition that includes a polyetherimide. The polyetherimide includes repeating units of the formula ##STR00001##

A spinal cage for implantation between two adjacent vertebrae includes a polymer composition that includes a polyetherimide. The polyetherimide includes repeating units of the formula ##STR00001##

A solidifying prepolymeric implant composition comprising a biocompatible prepolymer and an optional filler. One such implant composition is a polyurethane implant composition comprising an isocyanate, such as hydroxymetbylenediisocyanate (HMDI) and an alcohol, such as polycaprolactonediol (PCL diol). The compositions of the invention are useful for improving bone structure in patients by applying the solidifying implant composition to bone, reinforcing bone structure, improving load bearing capacity and/or aiding healing of microfractures.

A solidifying prepolymeric implant composition comprising a biocompatible prepolymer and an optional filler. One such implant composition is a polyurethane implant composition comprising an isocyanate, such as hydroxymetbylenediisocyanate (HMDI) and an alcohol, such as polycaprolactonediol (PCL diol). The compositions of the invention are useful for improving bone structure in patients by applying the solidifying implant composition to bone, reinforcing bone structure, improving load bearing capacity and/or aiding healing of microfractures.

Compositions useful as bone fillers or dental composites are provided which may include a sterilizing agent.

Compositions useful as bone fillers or dental composites are provided which may include a sterilizing agent.

Provided are synthetic bone graft substitutes that include bioactive glass and a carrier. Synthetic bone graft substitutes may include bioactive glass, glycerol and polyethylene glycol. Also provided are bone graft substitutes that include collagen and bioactive glass particles. Example bone graft substitutes may include collagen and bioactive glass particles. Other example embodiments may include Type I Bovine Collagen, an angiogenic agent, such as hyaluronic acid, and bioactive glass. Further provided are methods that include administering the present bone graft substitutes to a mammal, e.g., by surgical insertion of the bone graft substitute into the mammal, either alone or in conjunction with one or more implant devices. Further provided are kits that include the present bone grafts.

Provided are synthetic bone graft substitutes that include bioactive glass and a carrier. Synthetic bone graft substitutes may include bioactive glass, glycerol and polyethylene glycol. Also provided are bone graft substitutes that include collagen and bioactive glass particles. Example bone graft substitutes may include collagen and bioactive glass particles. Other example embodiments may include Type I Bovine Collagen, an angiogenic agent, such as hyaluronic acid, and bioactive glass. Further provided are methods that include administering the present bone graft substitutes to a mammal, e.g., by surgical insertion of the bone graft substitute into the mammal, either alone or in conjunction with one or more implant devices. Further provided are kits that include the present bone grafts.

A material or biomaterial comprising silicic acid condensates having a low degree of cross-linking, and methods for its production are subject-matter of the invention. A method for the production of silicic acid structures having a low degree of cross-linking is disclosed, wherein a sol is produced, wherein further condensation is prevented when specific cross-linking of the silicic acid is reached, wherein, preferably, structures having a size of 0.5-1000 nm are produced, e.g. polyhedral structures or aggregates of the same. Further condensation can be prevented by means of mixing with a polymer. In one embodiment, this comprises nano-structured, silicon dioxide (SiO.sub.2) having a low degree of cross-linking that is embedded in a polymer matrix. The material can be used in medicine for therapeutic purposes, and can enter into direct contact with biological tissue of the body in this connection. This material herein enters into chemical, physical, and biological interactions with the corresponding biological systems. It can herein be decomposed, and can act as a supplier for the silicic acid required for metabolism. Furthermore, it can have a supportive or shielding effect. It can be present as a granulate, microparticles, fiber, and as a woven or nonwoven fabric produced therefrom, or as a layer on implants or wound dressings. The material can be used as a medical device or as a nutritional supplement.