主权项 |
1. A bioscaffold for replacement or regeneration of a temporomandibular joint meniscus, the bioscaffold comprising:
a biocompatible, biodegradable, elastomeric implant dimensioned to fit within the TMJ and mimic the size and function of a native TMJ meniscus, the implant comprising a top sheet formed from one or more layers of a biocompatible material, a bottom sheet formed from one or more layers of the biocompatible material, and a raised central core consisting essentially of an acellular and noncrosslinked extracellular matrix disposed between the top and bottom sheets, wherein the top sheet and bottom sheet have substantially the same thickness, and further wherein the top and bottom sheets radially extend from the raised central core to form a brim having surgical attachment sites in the brim; wherein the central core has a circular base with a diameter, or an elliptical base with a major diameter and a minor diameter, and a height and composition of the central core that permits the core to deform under stress, and the diameter or the major and minor diameter is sufficient for the core to carry shear forces between the mandible and the skull when the implant is affixed to an articulating surface in the TMJ. |