Patent ID: 6468314
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A bio-absorbable cartilage repair system for regenerating damaged or destroyed articular cartilage on a joint surface of a bone by establishing a chondrogenic growth-supporting matrix between an area of damaged or destroyed articular cartilage that has been removed and an adjacent healthy area of articular cartilage and subchondral cancellous bone, said system comprising a delivery unit and a porous insert;(A) said delivery unit being formed of bio-absorbable material and configured and dimensioned to be mounted in both an area of damaged or destroyed articular cartilage that has been removed and an adjacent healthy area of articular cartilage and cancellous bone, said delivery unit having a central body and a plurality of radially extending, flexible support arms projecting outwardly from said central body and configured and dimensioned to support said insert; and (B) said insert being formed of bio-absorbable material and establishing communication between the removed area and the adjacent healthy area for a chondrogenic growth-supporting matrix.