Method and apparatus for treating bone fractures, and/or for fortifying and/or augmenting bone, including the provision and use of composite implants

A composite implant comprising a containment bag, an injectable matrix material for positioning within the containment bag, wherein the injectable matrix material is flowable and settable, and at least one reinforcing element for positioning within the containment bag and integration with the injectable matrix material, the at least one reinforcing element adding sufficient strength to the injectable matrix material such that when the composite implant is disposed in a cavity in a bone, the composite implant supports the bone;

• wherein the containment bag comprises a permeation barrier for providing at least one of (i) prohibiting or modulating the release of injectable matrix material out of the containment bag into the surrounding environment, and (ii) prohibiting or modulating the ingress of body fluids into the interior of the containment bag, whereby to regulate contact of body fluids with the injectable matrix material and the reinforcing elements, whereby to regulate the degredation rate of the injectable matrix material and the reinforcing elements.