System for promoting biological attachment of connective tissue to bone implants

Abstract

The described system designed to promote the biological attachment of fibrous connective tissue to a bone implant features a bone implant with a scaffold defining a porous attachment surface, a suction port, and a manifold that distributes a negative pressure gradient across the attachment surface. The system also includes an extracorporeal vacuum pump and a percutaneous suction hose connecting the suction port of the implant to the vacuum pump. The implant is placed in the patient's body with connective tissue applied over the attachment surface, and the suction hose is attached and connected to the vacuum pump. The vacuum pump, operating outside the body, creates a negative pressure gradient over an extended period, promoting the growth of slow growing Sharpey's fibres for superior biological integration. A highly vascularised tissue graft, such as a pedicled muscle flap, may be applied adjacent to the avascular tendon to enhance endogenous growth factor migration.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.