Methods, compositions, and systems are provided for characterization of modified nucleic acids. In certain preferred embodiments, single molecule sequencing methods are provided for identification of modified nucleotides within nucleic acid sequences. Modifications detectable by the methods provided herein include chemically modified bases, enzymatically modified bases, abasic sites, non-natural bases, secondary structures, and agents bound to a template nucleic acid.

Embodiments of an artificial meniscus are disclosed herein. An artificial meniscus includes at least one circumferential fiber bundle and the at least one non-circumferential fiber bundle embedded in a polymer material. The non-circumferential fiber bundles are fully encapsulated within the polymer material, and the circumferential fiber bundles extend out of anterior and posterior horns of the artificial meniscus to terminate in ends that are configured for fixation to bone. Methods of making and implanting artificial menisci are also disclosed herein. The methods of making include, but are not limited to, stepwise molding, layering, and curing of polymer material around the circumferential and non-circumferential fiber bundles. The methods of implanting include threading ends of the circumferential fiber bundles through first and second bone tunnels, then immobilizing the ends of the circumferential fiber bundles with respect to the bone of the subject.

A separate nub component between the plate and an intervertebral fusion cage, wherein the nub is attached to the plate. The nub lessens the undesired pivotal movement of the plate. It is believed that when the nub fits snugly between the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, it acts as a stop against the undesired pivotal movement of the plate.

An orthopaedic prosthesis includes a femoral component comprising polymeric materials. The polymeric materials may include a polyaromatic ether or a polyacetal. The orthopaedic prosthesis may include a component having an articular layer and a support layer adjacent the articular layer. The support layer may include a reinforcement fiber. The orthopaedic prosthesis may be a knee prosthesis.

Synthetic composite materials for use, for example, as orthopedic implants are described herein. In one example, a composite material for use as a scaffold includes a thermoplastic polymer forming a porous matrix that has continuous porosity and a plurality of pores. The porosity and the size of the pores are selectively formed during synthesis of the composite material. The example composite material also includes a plurality of a anisometric calcium phosphate particles integrally formed, embedded in, or exposed on a surface of the porous matrix. The calcium phosphate particles provide one or more of reinforcement, bioactivity, or bioresorption.

An implant system for implantation at a joint, the implant system including an implant device, the implant device comprising a body portion having first and second ends, and a first elongate member, extending from the first or second end of the body portion, the first elongate member being insertable in a bone tunnel in a subject's tibia.

A method of revising a patient having a fusion cage implanted within a spinal column, involving percutaneously delivering a first end of a tube to the spinal column, fluidly connecting the first end of the tube to the fusion cage, and delivering a bone growth agent into the fusion cage through the tube.

An apparatus for shaping a Platelet Rich Fibrin component of patient whole blood includes a main body. The main body includes a substantially planar surface. The main body also has a reservoir positioned therein. The substantially planar surface includes a plurality of channels fluidly connecting the substantially planar surface and the reservoir. The apparatus also includes a lid which is positioned over the substantially planar surface. The lid is used to compress a Platelet Rich Fibrin component. Liquids that are expressed from the Platelet Rich Fibrin component flow to the reservoir. The apparatus also includes openings for forming plugs of Platelet Rich Fibrin material.

A femoral resurfacing prosthesis has an acetabular cup suitable for being implanted in an iliac bone in such a way to reconstruct a cotyloid cavity, a head suitable for being fixed to a femur in such a way to resurface the femur and suitable for being coupled with the acetabular cup in omnidirectional spherical coupling mode, and a stem fixed to the head and acting as guide of the head for positioning in the femur. The stem is separate from the head and is coupled with the head in screw or fit-in coupling mode. The head is made of cross-lined polyethylene or polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and the stem is completely made of a material that can be reabsorbed by the femoral bone.

This disclosure describes manufacturing of a device configured to guide bone and tissue regeneration for a bone defect. A method may include receiving a three-dimensional digital model or scan representing an anatomical feature to be repaired, generating a simulated membrane using the three-dimensional model, the simulated membrane being configured to cover the anatomical feature to be repaired, generating a digital two-dimensional flattened version of the simulated membrane, and generating code or instructions configured to cause a three-dimensional printer or milling device to produce a trimming guide that includes an opening corresponding to the flattened version of the simulated membrane and that further includes a cut-out configured to hold a premanufactured membrane. The trimming guide may be operative as a guide for marking or cutting the premanufactured membrane through the opening while the premanufactured membrane is held in the cut-out.