A lattice or solid structure for a medical device includes a first layer of first filaments discretely formed from at least one medical-grade silicone material. The first filaments are arranged in a predetermined pattern and may be directly adjacent to one another or spaced apart. Additional layers of filaments may be provided adjacent to the first layer, and chemically bonded thereto to form an integrated structure that is without interruption or with interstices therebetween.

A drug-impregnated sleeve for encasing a medical implant is provided. In one embodiment, the sleeve may include a body made of a biologically-compatible material that defines an internal cavity configured to receive the medical implant. In one embodiment, the biologically-compatible material is bioresorbable. The body may include a plurality of apertures, such as perforations or holes, extending from the cavity through the body. The sleeve may further include a first end, a second end, and a drug impregnated into the resorbable sheet. In one possible embodiment, the first end of the sleeve may be open for receiving the medical implant therethrough and the second end may be closed. The implant may be encased in the sleeve and implanted into a patient from which the drug is dispensed in vivo over time to tissue surrounding the implantation site. In one embodiment, the body is made from at least one sheet of a biologically-compatible material.

This invention improves upon prior art total disc replacements (TDRs) by more closely replicating the kinematics of a natural disc. The preferred embodiments feature two or more fixed centers of rotation (CORs) and an optional variable COR (VCOR) as the artificial disk replacement (ADR) translates from a fixed posterior COR that lies posterior to the COR of the TDR to facilitate normal disc motion. The use of two or more CORs allows more flexion and more extension than permitted by the facet joints and the artificial facet (AF). AF joint-like components may also be incorporated into the design to restrict excessive translation, rotation, and/or lateral bending.

A device includes a bone cement or a biomaterial and a mesh structure impregnated with the bone cement or the biomaterial. The mesh structure reinforces the bone cement or the biomaterial and reinforces the material's fatigue properties. The mesh structure may be made of a shape memory alloy.

The methods disclosed herein of generating three-dimensional lattice structures and reducing stress shielding have applications including use in medical implants. One method of generating a three-dimensional lattice structure can be used to generate a structure lattice and/or a lattice scaffold to support bone or tissue growth. One method of reducing stress shielding includes generating a structural lattice to provide sole mechanical spacing across an area for desired bone or tissue growth. Some examples can use a repeating modified rhombic dodecahedron or radial dodeca-rhombus unit cell. Some methods are also capable of providing a lattice structure with anisotropic properties to better suit the lattice for its intended purpose.

An orthopedic system for delivery of a therapeutic agent to a bone includes an elongate stem adapted to be inserted into an intramedullary canal, an inlet configured to receive the therapeutic agent, and one or more outlets configured to deliver the therapeutic agent to the bone. The elongate stem may comprise one or more protrusions to engage the bone, and one or more channels extending longitudinally therein, fluidly coupled to the inlet. The therapeutic agent flows from the inlet through the one or more channels and exits into the intramedullary canal through the one or more outlets. The system may be configured to allow one or more dimensions of the system to be adjusted to accommodate the anatomy of a patient.

A drug-impregnated sleeve for encasing a medical implant is provided. In one embodiment, the sleeve may include a body made of a biologically-compatible material that defines an internal cavity configured to receive the medical implant. In one embodiment, the biologically-compatible material is bioresorbable. The body may include a plurality of apertures, such as perforations or holes, extending from the cavity through the body. The sleeve may further include a first end, a second end, and a drug impregnated into the resorbable sheet. In one possible embodiment, the first end of the sleeve may be open for receiving the medical implant therethrough and the second end may be closed. The implant may be encased in the sleeve and implanted into a patient from which the drug is dispensed in vivo over time to tissue surrounding the implantation site. In one embodiment, the body is made from at least one sheet of a biologically-compatible material.

This invention improves upon prior art total disc replacements (TDRs) by more closely replicating the kinematics of a natural disc. The preferred embodiments feature two or more fixed centers of rotation (CORs) and an optional variable COR (VCOR) as the artificial disk replacement (ADR) translates from a fixed posterior COR that lies posterior to the COR of the TDR to facilitate normal disc motion. The use of two or more CORs allows more flexion and more extension than permitted by the facet joints and the artificial facet (AF). AF joint-like components may also be incorporated into the design to restrict excessive translation, rotation, and/or lateral bending.

A method of assembling a mobile bearing acetabular component of a prosthetic hip joint is disclosed. The method includes mounting an acetabular cup insert to an acetabular cup. The method includes concurrently repositioning the acetabular cup insert deeper into an interior of the acetabular cup and repositioning the acetabular cup insert outside of an outline of the acetabular cup.

A bearing for a total or partial joint replacement prosthesis: the bearing having a body and a reinforcing element which strengthens the bearing and which forms an attachment member, and/or the bearing being formed at least partially from polymeric or composite material the bearing comprising a lower modulus portion and a higher modulus portion, one portion of the bearing being at least partially encased by the other portion of the bearing. Also provided is a method for of forming the bearing, and a total or partial joint replacement prosthesis comprising the hearing.