Tissue engineered fibrocartilage replacement
AssigneeRutgers, The State University of New Jersey
InventorsCharles J. Gatt, Eric A. Balint, Michael G. Dunn
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Fibrocartilage implants characterized by circumferential fiber networks embedded in arcuate or torroidal scaffolds with orthogonal fiber networks embedded therein to prevent separation of the circumferential fiber networks. The fiber networks convert axial compressive forces on the scaffolds to tensile loads on the circumferential fibers. Artificial knee meniscus and vertebral disc implants are disclosed, as well as articular disc implants for joints such as the temporomandibular joint and wrist. Methods for implanting the fibrocartilage devices are also disclosed.
Claims18
A method for fabricating a fibrocartilage implant, the method comprising:
- forming a reinforcement matrix having a three-dimensional shape and geometry which is substantially the same as the fibrocartilage implant, the reinforcing matrix comprising a network of bioresorbable circumferential fibers and biorsesorbable orthogonal fibers;
- and
- embedding the reinforcement network within a bioresorbable scaffold.
An artificial fibrocartilage implant comprising:
- a torroidal-shaped bioresorbable scaffold;
- a network of circumferential bioresorbable fibers independent from and embedded in said scaffold;
- and
- a network of orthogonal bioresorbable fibers independent from and embedded in said scaffold to prevent separation of said circumferential fiber network;
- wherein the bioresorbable circumferential fibers and the bioresorbable orthogonal fibers define a reinforcing matrix having a three-dimensional shape and geometry which is substantially the same as the three-dimensional shape and geometry of the bioresorbable scaffold.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.