The present invention relates to a bio-functionalized fibrous structure with a core/shell architecture for partial or total repair of human tendons or ligaments. The architecture based on a core/shell system grants to the fibrous structure a specific physical and mechanical behaviour when it is repeatedly mechanically loaded, as happens with a native tendon or ligament in constant usage in the human body. The core is based on several sub-components, namely braided structures parallelly assembled, which are enclosed by a braided shell. Additionally, a selective bio-functionalization of the two parts of the core/shell structure can be applied in order to selectively improve or avoid the in vivo cell adhesion.

Disclosed are devices and methods for improving healing of an enthesis. An effective amount of a composition comprising one or more sex steroids and/or sex steroid equivalents is locally administered at the site of a repaired enthesis. The composition causes upregulation of one or more chondrogenic, angiogenic, and/or tendon modulation genes, resulting in improved healing of the enthesis. The improved enthesis healing occurs even where the subject has normal levels of sex hormones.

An implantable biopolymer scaffold includes at least one braided strand comprising high strength collagen fibers and synthetic fibers, wherein the collagen fibers have a greater cross-sectional deform ability than the synthetic fibers.

Compositions and blends of biopolymers and copolymers are described, along with their use to prepare biocompatible scaffolds and surgically implantable devices for use in supporting and facilitating the repair of soft tissue injuries.

A composite scaffold having a highly porous interior with increased surface area and void volume is surrounded by a flexible support structure that substantially maintains its three-dimensional shape under tension and provides mechanical reinforcement during repair or reconstruction of soft tissue while simultaneously facilitating regeneration of functional tissue.

A method for promoting growth of bone, periodontium, ligament, or cartilage in a mammal by applying to the bone, periodontium, ligament, or cartilage a composition comprising platelet-derived growth factor at a concentration in the range of about 0.1 mg/mL to about 1.0 mg/mL in a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid carrier and a pharmaceutically-acceptable solid carrier.

A tendon repair implant for treatment of a partial thickness tear in the supraspinatus tendon of the shoulder is provided. The implant may incorporate features of rapid deployment and fixation by an arthroscopic means approach that compliment current procedures; tensile properties that result in desired sharing of anatomical load between the implant and native tendon during rehabilitation; selected porosity and longitudinal pathways for tissue in-growth; sufficient cyclic straining of the implant in the longitudinal direction to promote remodeling of new tissue to tendon-like tissue; and, may include a bioresorbable construction to provide transfer of additional load to new tendon-like tissue and native tendon over time.

The present invention relates to the technical field of silk scaffolds, and in particular, to a silk/pet mix-woven scaffold and a preparation method and use thereof. The silk/PET mix-woven scaffold is formed by weaving silk and PET fibers. Sericin of the silk is removed. The silk and the PET fibers are mixed and knitted. The PET fibers provide reliable fixation in an early stage to maintain the stability of mechanical properties, and the silk degrades gradually in a later stage to promote the growth of new tissues to achieve the integration of the scaffold and the body. When the scaffold is used for artificial tendon/ligament recovery, its overall performance is better than that of pure silk or pure PET fiber scaffolds, and the scaffold has excellent clinical transformation potential.

A new insight on the lubrication of artificial joint components is presented. Addition of small amounts of nanoscale diamond particles to an artificial joint promotes a substantial improvement in friction and wear behavior of the artificial joint surfaces. Artificial joint implants are made from a variety of materials ranging from metal alloys to polymers. Suitable methods of applying nanoscale diamond particles to an artificial joint include (i) coating an effective amount of nanoscale diamond particles onto the artificial joint prior to implants; (ii) applying a composition to the artificial joint during an artificial joint implanting surgery, wherein said composition comprises a biocompatible carrier fluid and an effective amount of nanoscale diamond particles dispersed in the biocompatible carrier fluid; (iii) injecting the composition for lubricating the artificial joint into the artificial joint.

A prosthesis to replace a flexor tendon pulley. The prosthesis comprises a tendon holding member with a hollow cylindrical shape and a connecting plate attached to the tendon holding member. The tendon holding member is configured to receive and hold a tendon of the human hand. The connecting plate is configured to be attached to a phalange of the human hand. The tendon holding member comprises an outer layer on an outer surface of the tendon holding member and an inner layer on an inner surface of the tendon holding member. The outer layer comprises hydroxyapatite to secure the tendon holding member to the surrounding tissues. The inner layer comprises of hyaluronic acid to secure the tendon holding member to the surrounding tissues.