Method and device for handling bone adhesives

A method for applying a reactive biocompatible polymeric material to a bone defect, said polymeric material having adhesive characteristics and formed by combining a diisocyanate component and a polyol component to form a biocompatible polyurethane material, said polymeric material being initially in a liquid state and passing through a taffy-like state as it cures into its full cured solid state, the method comprising:

• (1) delivering the polymeric material to the bone defect when the polymeric material is in its liquid or taffy-like state;
• (2) positioning a bone adhesive application device over at least a portion of the bone defect and in contact with the polymeric material, said device having an application surface with a surface energy that is the same or less than the surface energy of the polymeric material;
• (3) allowing the polymeric material to at least partially polymerize;
• and
• (4) removing the device from contact with the polymeric material, while the polymeric material is still tacky.

A method for repairing a bone defect, the method comprising:

• (1) preparing the bone defect to receive a reactive biocompatible polymeric material, said polymeric material having adhesive characteristics and formed by combining a diisocyanate component and a polyol component to form a biocompatible polyurethane material, said polymeric material being initially in a liquid state and passing through a taffy-like state as it cures into its fully cured solid state;
• (2) filling the bone defect with the polymeric material when the polymeric material is in its liquid or taffy-like state;
• and
• (3) covering the bone defect and polymeric material with a bone adhesive application device wherein said device has an application surface with a surface energy that is the same or less than the surface energy of the polymeric material and wherein said device is impervious to fluids, thereby preventing bodily and surgical fluids from contacting the bone adhesive during polymerization, and
• (4) removing the device from contact with the polymeric material prior to complete polymerization when the polymeric material has cured to a sufficient strength to substantially maintain its shape.