Device, Composition and Method for Prevention of Bone Fracture and Pain

A method for reinforcing a bone having a region of trabecular bone surrounded at least in part by a layer of cortical bone, the method comprising:

• delivering an aqueous solution of an at least substantially non-cross-linked polymer into the region of trabecular bone;
• and
• cross-linking the polymer in situ to form a non-degradable hydrogel.

A method for reinforcing a bone having a region of trabecular bone with a trabecular structure, surrounded at least in part by a layer of cortical bone, the method comprising:

• injecting an aqueous polymeric solution into the trabecular bone, and filling substantially more than half of the volume of interstices defined by the region of trabecular bone with said aqueous solution, such that the polymer cross-links in situ to form a non-degradable hydrogel, wherein the trabecular structure is not substantially altered.

A reinforced bone structure, comprising:

• a region of trabecular bone surrounded at least in part by a layer of cortical bone;
• and
• a cross-linked hydrogel filling substantially more than half of the volume of the interstices defined by the region of trabecular bone.