Composite Bone Grafts and Constructs for Treating Joint Injuries
H. Thomas Temple and Theodore I. Malinin
Problem
An allograft which anatomically matches the successfully used autografts for the reconstruction of joint injuries is the bone-patellar tendon-bone construct. The availability of these allografts is limited and hence, many other structures including Achilles tendons, tibialis anterior and tibialis posterior tendons, tendons of hamstring muscles and others have been used to replace damaged ACLs and PCLs. All of the above tissues, however, lack blocks to which their ends are attached and thus provide the necessary tension required for reconstructive surgery.
Solution
The present technology overcomes the current problems with shortages of
ACL/PCL substitute grafts by making it possible to use fascia lata allografts and
composite bone dowels using particulate or powdered bone materials. In addition, tendon replacement grafts placed through these constructs produce constant
tension and help to impact the retaining blocks. Fixation with interference screws or
any other screws, pins, nails or similar entities is therefore unnecessary and is eliminated.
Competitive Advantage
Allograft material from donors is a good alternative to autograft material from the patient, as it can be used off the shelf and is relatively abundant. By using the novel surgical implant assembly, operation duration and its associated detrimental effects are substantially reduced. In addition, this construct eliminates the need for fixation of the ligament with interference screws or any other screws, pins, nails or similar entities, again, greatly minimizing the drawbacks of using these fixation devices.
Applications
This technology relates to a surgical treatment for reconstructing joints most notably injured through sports activities.
Patent Status
International PCT Application No. PCT/US2009/052840 "COMPOSITE BONE GRAFTS, PARTICULATE BONE-CALCIUM SULFATE CONSTRUCTS & METHODS OF TREATING JOINT INJURIES" was filed August 5, 2009.
Licensing Opportunity
The University of Miami is seeking a partnership to commercialize a novel surgical implant assembly for joint reconstruction.
About the Inventors
H. Thomas Temple, M.D. is a Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics and Pathology Chief in the Orthopaedic Oncology Division, and Director, University of Miami Tissue Bank at the Leonard. M. Miller School of Medicine.
Theodore I. Malinin, M.D. is a Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics, and Medical Director, University of Miami Tissue Bank at the Leonard. M. Miller School of Medicine.
