Reinforced biocomposite materials having a unique treated surface, in which the surface may comprise a plurality of layers. According to at least some embodiments, medical implants are provided that incorporate novel structures, alignments, orientations and forms comprised of such reinforced bioabsorbable materials, as well as methods of treatment thereof.

Reinforced biocomposite materials having a unique treated surface, in which the surface may comprise a plurality of layers. According to at least some embodiments, medical implants are provided that incorporate novel structures, alignments, orientations and forms comprised of such reinforced bioabsorbable materials, as well as methods of treatment thereof.

A method is disclosed for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced implant structure. A fiber-reinforced rigid insert is provided, comprising continuous fibers impregnated with a first thermoplastic polymer. A molding cycle is performed by overmolding. The insert is placed into a mold cavity; and a second thermoplastic polymer in melted form is injection or compression molded into the mold cavity. The insert is thus at least partly covered by the second thermoplastic polymer. The second thermoplastic polymer injection or compression in the mold cavity is cooled, thereby obtaining a molded fiber-reinforced implant structure containing the at least partly covered insert. The insert is in a predefined location in the mold cavity during said injection or compression molding and during said cooling. The first thermoplastic polymer and the second thermoplastic polymer are the same or different. Also disclosed is an implant structure, and an implant comprising said implant structure.

A bioactive filamentary structure includes a sheath coated with a mixture of synthetic bone graft particles and a polymer solution forming a scaffold structure. In forming such a structure, synthetic bone graft particles and a polymer solution are applied around a filamentary structure. A polymer is precipitated from the polymer solution such that the synthetic bone graft particles and the polymer coat the filamentary structure and the polymer is adhered to the synthetic bone graft particles to retain the graft particles.

A bioactive filamentary structure includes a sheath coated with a mixture of synthetic bone graft particles and a polymer solution forming a scaffold structure. In forming such a structure, synthetic bone graft particles and a polymer solution are applied around a filamentary structure. A polymer is precipitated from the polymer solution such that the synthetic bone graft particles and the polymer coat the filamentary structure and the polymer is adhered to the synthetic bone graft particles to retain the graft particles.

Medical devices that are formed from a polymeric matrix including a first polymer and a functionalized polymer are provided. The medical devices may include a functionalized polymer such as maleic anhydride functionalized polymer. The burst strength and/or the hoop strength of the medical devices including the functionalized polymer may be greater than the burst strength and/or the hoop strength of control medical devices. However, the durometer of the medical devices may be substantially equal to the durometer of the control medical devices. Methods of manufacturing medical devices including a functionalized polymer are also provided.

The present patent application is directed to compositions and shaped structures implantable into mammalian bodies, the compositions and shaped structures having localized bioactive surfaces.

The present patent application is directed to compositions and shaped structures implantable into mammalian bodies, the compositions and shaped structures having localized bioactive surfaces.

The disclosure relates to high-strength polyolefin composite fibers, which fibers have a fiber body comprising a composition consisting of polyolefin; 1-30 mass % of bioceramic particles having particle size D50 of 0.01-10 μm; at most 0.05 mass % of residual spin solvent; optionally 0-3 mass % of other additives; and wherein the sum of a)-d) is 100 mass %; and which fibers have bioceramic particles exposed at their surface, and show bioactivity. The composite fibers based on a composition of polyolefin with bioceramic particles mixed therein show particles being exposed at the fiber surface by techniques like AFM and XPS, and although apparently only a relatively small amount of bioceramic particles is exposed at the fiber surface, this appears sufficient for effective interaction with their environment and stimulating a positive biological response as demonstrated by in vitro cell studies.

The present disclosure also concerns a method of making the high-strength composite fibers via a gel spinning process, fibrous articles comprising said bioactive composite fibers. Further embodiments concern use of these fibrous articles as a component of a medical implant or as a medical implant, especially as permanent high-strength orthopedic implants for repairing bone fractures or torn ligaments or tendons. Other embodiments include medical devices or implants comprising said fibrous articles.

A method for controlling generation of biologically desirable voids in a composition placed in proximity to bone or other tissue in a patient by selecting at least one water-soluble inorganic material having a desired particle size and solubility, and mixing the water-soluble inorganic material with at least one poorly-water-soluble or biodegradable matrix material. The matrix material, after it is mixed with the water-soluble inorganic material, is placed into the patient in proximity to tissue so that the water-soluble inorganic material dissolves at a predetermined rate to generate biologically desirable voids in the matrix material into which bone or other tissue can then grow.