The invention relates to a porous osteoinductive calcium phosphate material having an average grain size in a range of 0.1-1.50 m, having a porosity consisting essentially only of micropores in a size range of 0.1-1.50 m, and having a surface area percentage of micropores in a range of 10-40%.

The present invention relates to a method for culturing bone marrow cells, in which bone marrow cells are applied to a porous polyimide film and cultured. Moreover, the present invention relates to a porous polyimide film for healing a bone injury site.

An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

An ex-vivo culturing method of osteoblasts for implantation, comprising a culturing of adult live osteoblasts as an ex-vivo procedure. The ex-vivo culture, which leads to the formation of the active substance, further comprises the steps of isolation of osteo-progenitor cells, differentiation of osteo-progenitor cells in to osteoblasts, expansion culture, cell culture harvest and wash followed by filling and packaging. This method is instrumental in accelerating the process of bone formation.

An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a porous scaffold for tissue engineering. It is another object of the present invention to provide a porous scaffold obtainable by the method as above described, and its use for tissue engineering, cell culture and cell delivery. The method of the invention comprises the steps consisting of: a) preparing an alkaline aqueous solution comprising an amount of at least one polysaccharide, an amount of a cross-linking agent and an amount of a porogen agent b) transforming the solution into a hydrogel by placing said solution at a temperature from about 4 C. to about 80 C. for a sufficient time to allow the cross-linking of said amount of polysaccharide and c) submerging said hydrogel into an aqueous solution d) washing the porous scaffold obtained at step c).

A delivery system comprising a covering having at least two compartments is provided. A first compartment contains a first therapeutic agent and the second compartment can be unfilled and is configured to receive a second therapeutic agent. The first compartment and the second compartment are separated by at least one removable separation member, for example a drawstring, that can be pulled to allow the first and second therapeutic agents to mix prior to delivery at a selected surgical site. Either the first or second compartment of the covering define an opening further comprising a pre-attached sealing member, which can be a flap sealable by heat, sutures, pressing or interference fittings. The opening of the empty compartment can be configured to receive a filling member, such as a funnel fitted with a spring loaded clip for temporary attachment to the covering. A method of treating a bone defect in a patient utilizing the delivery system is also provided.

The invention relates to a porous osteoinductive calcium phosphate material having an average grain size in a range of 0.1-1.50 m, having a porosity consisting essentially only of micropores in a size range of 0.1-1.50 m, and having a surface area percentage of micropores in a range of 10-40%.

An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.