Patent ID: 6461317
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: A61F,D04B,D10B

Abstract:
An orthopaedic method comprising the steps of:a) forming an integral double layer fabric having spaced interwoven layers formed of high strength filaments and an open-work matrix of filaments interconnecting said layers; b) impregnating said fabric with a water-hardenable urethane under low humidity conditions, while retaining the configuration of said matrix permeable to receive water; c) supplying hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) to said fabric, as a lubricating agent to facilitate handling of the fabric following wetting; d) supplying additional lubricating material other than EPMC to said fabric; e) packaging said impregnated fabric in a water vapor impermeable package; f) subsequently opening said package; g) supplying water to said open-work matrix following opening of said package to rapidly wet said water-hardenable urethane and said HPMC; and h) locating the impregnated double layer fabric adjacent the injured part of the anatomy so that said impregnated fabric conforms to the configuration of the anatomy; whereby (1) the open-work matrix of said double layer fabric facilitates rapid and uniform impregnation by the water-hardenable urethane, and uniform penetration of the water, and also provides firm support resulting from the hardening of the water-hardenable urethane in the open-work matrix; (2) the HPMC reduces the stickiness of the urethane when wetted; (3) and smooth outer surfaces are produced following hardening.