Methods and compositions for the biological repair of cartilage using a hybrid construct combining both an inert structure and living core are described. The inert structure is intended to act not only as a delivery system to feed and grow a living core component, but also as an inducer of cell differentiation. The inert structure comprises concentric internal and external and inflatable/expandable balloon-like bio-polymers. The living core comprises the cell-matrix construct comprised of HDFs, for example, seeded in a scaffold. The method comprises surgically removing a damaged cartilage from a patient and inserting the hybrid construct into the cavity generated after the foregoing surgical intervention. The balloons of the inert structure are successively inflated within the target area, such as a joint, for example. Also disclosed herein are methods for growing and differentiating human fibroblasts into chondrocyte-like cells via mechanical strain.

An implant (1) for modifying the tissue deformation during bone healing between two bone fragments (5; 6), with a first end piece (2) that can be fastened to a first bone fragment (5) with a longitudinal axis L1, and a second end piece (3) that can be fastened to a second bone fragment (6) with a longitudinal axis L2, wherein the first and second end pieces (2; 3) are loosely meshed with one another by means of n1 parallel-connected tissue activators (4a; 4b) in each case to allow relative movement and the tissue activators (4a; 4b) are arranged to be perpendicular to the longitudinal axes L1 and L2 and preferably orthogonal thereto.

A multi-layer substrate apparatus includes a first layer configured to provide at least one electrical-based property. A second layer proximate to the first layer is configured to provide at least one mechanical-based property. A third proximate to the second layer includes at least one chemical component such that the third layer is enabled to regulate the multi-layer substrate apparatus based on a system that the multi-layer substrate apparatus is being used with. A fourth layer proximate to the third layer is configured to provide at least one magnetic-based property. A fifth layer proximate to the fourth layer is configured to provide support based on the system that the multi-layer substrate apparatus is being used with. The fifth layer includes a geometric portion that is configured to facilitate at least one process therein.

The device is intended for the noninvasive induction of dynamic deformation of body tissue to differentiate tissue cells. It comprises the following components: (i) a suspension of particles suspended in solution; and (ii) an external actuator which is capable of magnetically, electrically, vibrationally, or thermally stimulating the suspended particles.

The present invention comprises devices, systems, and methods for elongating bone using an extension implant having a first end and a second end. The first end of the extension implant is inserted into an opening in the live bone and the second end of the extension implant is combined with an enlarged implant. A plurality of channels extend through the components to serve as conduits for delivering fluids and physiological signals which induce bone formation. Some embodiments include a subcutaneous cage assembly for helping to support the implant as the bone heals around it.

Methods and compositions for the biological repair of cartilage using a hybrid construct combining both an inert structure and living core are described. The inert structure is intended to act not only as a delivery system to feed and grow a living core component, but also as an inducer of cell differentiation. The inert structure comprises concentric internal and external and inflatable/expandable balloon-like bio-polymers. The living core comprises the cell-matrix construct comprised of HDFs, for example, seeded in a scaffold. The method comprises surgically removing a damaged cartilage from a patient and inserting the hybrid construct into the cavity generated after the foregoing surgical intervention. The balloons of the inert structure are successively inflated within the target area, such as a joint, for example. Also disclosed herein are methods for growing and differentiating human fibroblasts into chondrocyte-like cells via mechanical strain.

Methods and compositions for the biological repair of cartilage using a hybrid construct combining both an inert structure and living core are described. The inert structure is intended to act not only as a delivery system to feed and grow a living core component, but also as an inducer of cell differentiation. The inert structure comprises concentric internal and external and inflatable/expandable balloon-like bio-polymers. The living core comprises the cell-matrix construct comprised of HDFs, for example, seeded in a scaffold. The method comprises surgically removing a damaged cartilage from a patient and inserting the hybrid construct into the cavity generated after the foregoing surgical intervention. The balloons of the inert structure are successively inflated within the target area, such as a joint, for example. Also disclosed herein are methods for growing and differentiating human fibroblasts into chondrocyte-like cells via mechanical strain.

An implant (1) for modifying the tissue deformation during bone healing between two bone fragments (5; 6), with a first end piece (2) that can be fastened to a first bone fragment (5) with a longitudinal axis L1, and a second end piece (3) that can be fastened to a second bone fragment (6) with a longitudinal axis L2, wherein the first and second end pieces (2; 3) are loosely meshed with one another by means of n1 parallel-connected tissue activators (4a; 4b) in each case to allow relative movement and the tissue activators (4a; 4b) are arranged to be perpendicular to the longitudinal axes L1 and L2 and preferably orthogonal thereto.

An orthopedic device delivers dynamic forces to a desired remote bone region. Dynamically arranged mechanical forces are known to stimulate bone cells (the process of mechanotransduction). The device includes an implantable element configured to couple with a generally accessible and healthy bone area, from which location it's configured to transmit forces to a remote bone area in need of repair, regrowth, or regeneration. Further, the device positions and orients the implantable element where it can be readily acted on by the device's force generator. The force generator is configured to impart dynamic forces that are transmitted through the implantable element and into a desired bone mass including a remote bone area in need of repair. This device promotes fracture healing, treats osteoporotic or other poor quality bone, and promotes vertebral fusion in conjunction with a spinal fusion procedure.

Methods and compositions for the biological repair of cartilage using a hybrid construct combining both an inert structure and living core are described. The inert structure is intended to act not only as a delivery system to feed and grow a living core component, but also as an inducer of cell differentiation. The inert structure comprises concentric internal and external and inflatable/expandable balloon-like bio-polymers. The living core comprises the cell-matrix construct comprised of HDFs, for example, seeded in a scaffold. The method comprises surgically removing a damaged cartilage from a patient and inserting the hybrid construct into the cavity generated after the foregoing surgical intervention. The balloons of the inert structure are successively inflated within the target area, such as a joint, for example. Also disclosed herein are methods for growing and differentiating human fibroblasts into chondrocyte-like cells via mechanical strain.