Provided is a composition for a scaffold having a mineral coating similar to bone. Also provided is a method for mineral coating a scaffold so as to promote mineral coating of the scaffold with a plate-like nanostructure and a carbonate-substituted, calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite phase.

A method of delivering a fusion cage to an intervertebral disc space bounded by adjacent vertebral endplates, comprising the step of delivering the fusion cage into the disc space without contacting its teeth to the vertebral endplates during delivery, wherein a sheath is interposed between a cage surface and the endplates to prevent contact therebetween during delivery.

Implants including non-resorbable frameworks and resorbable components, as well as methods of use thereof are disclosed. The embodiments include different combinations of a non-resorbable framework (in some case structural and in other cases non-structural), and a resorbable component embedded within and/or around the framework (again, in some cases structural and in other cases non-structural). The disclosed implants provide an efficient means of providing structural support for the vertebral bodies post-implantation, as well as encouraging resorption of the implant and fusion of the associated vertebral bodies without negative side effects and/or failure, such as subsidence of the implant or cracking/fracturing of a portion of the implant when implanted.

Methods for surgically adjusting a curvature of a spine are disclosed. The methods provide for controlling the alignment of bony structures, such as vertebral bodies or portions thereof, as they are moved relative to one another during a surgical procedure. An intrabody implant disclosed and methods of use are also disclosed. The implant has an inclined surface, forming a wedge or other shape having, for example, an acute angle adapted to be placed between at least two separated portions of a single bony structure (such as a vertebral body). In some embodiments, the implant may be used to support portions of a vertebral body that have been separated surgically as part of a pedicle subtraction osteotomy and to orient the portions at a more predictable lordotic angle.

Provided is an implantable composite which includes a plurality of resorbable ceramic particles with or without a biodegradable polymer. The resorbable ceramic particles can be granules including carbonated hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate in a ratio of 5:95 to 70:30. Some resorbable ceramic particles are granules, which include carbonated hydroxyapatite and p tricalcium phosphate in a ratio of 5:95 to 70:30. The resorbable ceramic particles have a particle size from about 0.4 to about 3.5 mm. The implantable composite is configured to tit at or near a bone defect as an autograft extender to promote bone growth. Methods of using the implantable composite are also provided.

Implants including non-resorbable frameworks and resorbable components, as well as methods of use thereof are disclosed. The embodiments include different combinations of a non-resorbable framework (in some case structural and in other cases non-structural), and a resorbable component embedded within and/or around the framework (again, in some cases structural and in other cases non-structural). The disclosed implants provide an efficient means of providing structural support for the vertebral bodies post-implantation, as well as encouraging resorption of the implant and fusion of the associated vertebral bodies without negative side effects and/or failure, such as subsidence of the implant or cracking/fracturing of a portion of the implant when implanted.

A method of manufacturing a resorbable, macroporous bioactive glass scaffold comprising approximately 15-45% CaO, 30-70% SiO.sub.2, 0-25% Na.sub.2O, 0-17% P.sub.2O.sub.5, 0-10% MgO and 0-5% CaF.sub.2 by mass percent, produced by mixing with pore forming agents and specified heat treatments.

Scaffolds for use in bone tissue engineering include a skeleton and a host component. Methods of preparation of scaffolds include identification of biodegradation properties for the skeleton and the host component. The skeleton is constructed to form a three-dimensional shape. The skeleton is constructed of a first material and has a first rate of biodegradation. The host component fills the three-dimensional shape formed by the skeleton. The host component is constructed of a second material and has a second rate of biodegradation. The first rate of biodegradation is slower than the second rate of biodegradation.

An expandable implant device for implantation at a surgical site is provided. The implant device is made of cortical bone and includes a top and bottom piece, both pieces configured to couple with each other. The top piece has superior and inferior surfaces, and at least a tapered leading end configured to distract open an intervertebral disc space so that the top piece can be slidably inserted over the bottom piece until a desired overlap is achieved. A composite interbody bone implant device is also provided including a body skeleton having a non-bone composition, such as a polymer, formed into a shape and including one or more cavities which can be filled with other material, for example, allograft material. A method of placing an expandable device into a disc space is also provided.

Methods for surgically adjusting a curvature of a spine are disclosed. The methods provide for controlling the alignment of bony structures, such as vertebral bodies or portions thereof, as they are moved relative to one another during a surgical procedure. An intrabody implant disclosed and methods of use are also disclosed. The implant has an inclined surface, forming a wedge or other shape having, for example, an acute angle adapted to be placed between at least two separated portions of a single bony structure (such as a vertebral body). In some embodiments, the implant may be used to support portions of a vertebral body that have been separated surgically as part of a pedicle subtraction osteotomy and to orient the portions at a more predictable lordotic angle.