LOCAL DELIVERY OF AN ACTIVE AGENT FROM AN ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANT

摘要

A posterior spinal fixation device or dynamic spinal stabilization device or other orthopedic device includes an active agent-delivery component. The active agent-delivery component has an active agent impregnated therein or adsorbed thereon or otherwise contained therein and is configured to release the active agent locally after the device is implanted in a patient. One preferred type of implant in accordance with the invention is an implant for stabilizing a spinal motion segment that includes a spacer member (30, 132, 236, 432) positionable between adjacent spinous processes or transverse processes or other posterior spinal element, including an implanted anchor element (232, 234).