Biodegradable bone templates

• US 5,522,895 A
• Filed: 07/23/1993
• Issued: 06/04/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 07/23/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Rice University
• Original Assignee: Rice University
• Inventors: Mikos, Antonios G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Prebilic, Paul B.
• Application Number:
  US08/096,780
• Time in Patent Office: 1,047 Days
• Field of Search: 623/11, 623/16, 606/70, 606/71, 606/76, 606/77
• US Class Current: 623/23.58
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/28 Bones joints A61F2/30
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30965 Reinforcing the prosthesis by embedding particles or fibres during moulding or dipping
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30062 (bio)absorbable, biodegradable, bioerodable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30199 Three-dimensional shapes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0004 bioabsorbable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0063 Three-dimensional shapes
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 27/3821 Bone-forming cells, e.g. osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoprogenitor cells
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 27/3847 Bones
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 27/48 with macromolecular fillers
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 27/54 Biologically active materials, e.g. therapeutic substances A61L27/227 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 27/56 Porous materials, e.g. foams or sponges
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 27/58 Materials at least partially resorbable by the body
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 67/04 Polyesters derived from hydroxycarboxylic acids, e.g. lactones C08L67/06 takes precedence

Abstract

A biodegradable, bioresorbable, three-dimensional template for repair and replacement of diseased or injured bone which provides mechanical strength to bone while also providing a guide for growth of bone tissue. Preferably, the template is formed of biodegradable materials, for example, poly(L-lactic acid), poly(D, L-lactic acid), poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid), poly (glycolic acid), poly (ε-caprolactone), polyortho esters, and polyanhydrides, and has the capacity of being rendered porous, either in vitro or in vivo. A pore-forming component, which may or may not be a polymeric material, is mixed within a continuous matrix formed of a biodegradable material, the pore-forming component having a rate of degradation which exceeds that of the matrix. Differential dissolution or biodegradation provides porosity to the template.

Claims

1. A biodegradable, biocompatible prosthetic template comprising:

a biodegradable synthetic polymer matrix; and

a pore-creating substance dispersed within said matrix;

wherein said template has a three-dimensional shape and mechanical strength suitable for replacement of load-bearing bone prior to implantation, and

wherein said pore creating substance has a biodegradation rate at least about four times greater than the biodegradation rate of the polymeric matrix; and

wherein said polymeric matrix is formed of poly(L-lactic-acid) and said pore-creating substance is formed of poly(glycolic acid).

2. A biodegradable, biocompatible prosthetic template comprising:

a biodegradable synthetic polymer matrix; and

a pore-creating substance dispersed within said matrix;

wherein said template has a three-dimensional shape and mechanical strength suitable for replacement of load-bearing bone prior to implantation, and

wherein said pore creating substance has a biodegradation rate at least about four times greater than the biodegradation rate of the polymeric matrix; and

wherein said polymeric matrix is formed of a high molecular weight poly(L-lactic acid) and said pore creating substance is formed of a low molecular weight poly(L-lactic acid).