Patent ID: 9320601
Filing Date: 2016-04-26
CPC Classification: A61B,A61F,A61K,A61L,Y10T

Claim Text:
1. A method for treating a bone fracture, and/or fortifying bone and/or augmenting bone, the method comprising: selecting at least one reinforcing element to be combined with an injectable matrix material and with a containment bag so as to together form a biodegradable composite implant capable of supporting the bone, wherein the composite implant has a stiffer central region and less stiff distal and proximal ends, wherein the at least one reinforcing element is flexible; positioning the entire containment bag in a cavity in the bone, and positioning the at least one reinforcing element in the containment bag; and flowing the injectable matrix material into the containment bag so that the injectable matrix material interfaces with the at least one reinforcing element and with the containment bag so as to form the biodegradable composite implant; wherein the injectable matrix material is configured to thereafter transform from a flowable state to a non-flowable state so as to establish a static structure for the biodegradable composite implant, such that the biodegradable composite implant supports the adjacent bone; wherein the containment bag comprises a resorbable polymer selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid and mixtures or copolymers thereof; and wherein the containment bag controls the degradation of the composite implant by modulating the ingress of fluid into the containment bag.