According to some embodiments, a method of creating for creating a reverse tapered opening within tissue comprises creating a cylindrical opening within a targeted anatomical site of a subject using a first device and removing additional tissue from the sidewalls of the cylindrical opening using a cutting member to create a reverse tapered opening within the targeted anatomical site using a second device, wherein, once the reverse tapered opening is created, a diameter or other cross-sectional dimension of a bottom surface of the opening is larger than a diameter or other cross-sectional dimension of a top surface of the opening.

An improved new method of making a multi-component implant comprising a solid hydrogel, a porous hydrogel, and a porous rigid base suitable for implantation into a mammal, to treat, repair or replace defects and/or injury biological tissue as well as the implant made from the improved method. The invention also includes an improved method for making devices, constructs, and materials comprising a hydrogel and a porous rigid material. The invention also includes a mold and kits for performing the methods.

A method for use of a double-structured tissue implant or a secondary scaffold stand-alone implant for treatment of tissue defects. The double-structured tissue implant comprising a primary scaffold and a secondary scaffold consisting of a soluble collagen solution in combination with a non-ionic surfactant generated and positioned within the primary scaffold. A method of use of a stand-alone secondary scaffold implant or unit for treatment of tissue defects.

Implants suitable for use in a carpometacarpal joint includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and sidewalls extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The implant includes hydrogel material such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel. Kits can include systems for preparing an implantation site, creating a cavity, and/or deploying the implant. Methods of treating a carpometacarpal joint include deploying an implant in a recess in a carpometacarpal bone.

Implants suitable for use in a carpometacarpal joint includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and sidewalls extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The implant includes hydrogel material such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel. Kits can include systems for preparing an implantation site, creating a cavity, and/or deploying the implant. Methods of treating a carpometacarpal joint include deploying an implant in a recess in a carpometacarpal bone.

An implant device used to replace and restore the function of the knee meniscus in a human. The compliant, yet resilient device is comprised of a biocompatible, non-degradable three-dimensional body comprised of at least a central body, a second structure, a third structure, and a coating. The device is concentrically aligned wherein the second structure is adjoined to the central body wherein the third structure is adjoined on the central body opposite of the second structure. The third structure further features a first and a second pulling element which is coupled to the central body and forms the outer periphery and major circumference of the device. The device is comprised of multiple components which provide tensile strength, compressive resilience, and attachment mechanisms for replacing the meniscus. Each structure is comprised of multiple surfaces which are further reinforced, separated, and connected by an individual plurality of vertical elements. The implantable device further features a surface coating on the surface of the central body.

An implantable tissue repair device for the repair, replacement or augmentation of a tissue, the device having a biocompatible solvated structural material, where at least part of the structural material is in a compressed and/or dried state.

An implantable tissue repair device containing a body having a biocompatible hydrogel and a plurality of tissue anchoring elements projecting from the body, where the anchoring elements are integrally formed with the body and have the same biocompatible hydrogel as the body, and the anchoring elements, in use, are arranged to enter apertures in a tissue and anchor the device to the tissue.

A prosthetic device for replacing at least part of one vertebral body, the prosthetic device being expandable from a fully collapsed state to a fully expanded state and comprising an upper endplate, a lower endplate and an expandable support structure extending between the two endplates, said expandable support structure being configured to displace the two endplates relative to one another along a longitudinal axis of the prosthetic device and to hold the two endplates at a minimum axial distance that corresponds to the height of at least one intervertebral disc and half a vertebral body, wherein the expandable support structure includes an anterior post and a posterior post, wherein the length (L1/L2) of each post is individually adjustable and is lockable independently from one another to hold the two endplates with an inclination of 0 to 40 relative to each other.

The present invention is directed to a unique technology for preparing a growth-factor free, cylindrical, hydrogel implant that has multiple (three or more) longitudinal hydrogel zones with varying chemical and physical properties. The implant may be wholly made of hydrogels or the hydrogels may be associated with cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).