| 摘要 |
Methods and apparatus of providing a subject with post-operative, sustained-release of a biological agent within a synovial joint is disclosed. These methods involve securing a depot containing the biological agent to a ligament, tendon, muscle within the joint to provide sustained-release of the agent while allowing for normal joint articulation. This methodology may be utilized to provide for sustained-release of a biological agent useful in treating various traumas and disorders of the joint. Such biological agents include antagonists of inflammation-related proteins, such as TNF-α, IL-1&bgr;, IL-6, IL-8, NF-&kgr;B, High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMG-B1), IL-2, IL-15 and steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Other biological agents include anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10, IL-4, IL-13, and TGF-&bgr;. The biological agents also include osteogenic and cartilage producing growth factors such as, but not limited to, BMP-2, BMP-4, BMP-6, BMP-7, BMP-8, and MIA CD-RAP. Finally, the biological agents include siRNA and/or therapeutic antibodies.
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