| 摘要 |
A device surgical for surgical implantation to replace damaged tissue (such as knee meniscus), having a hydrogel component (20) reinforced by a three-dimensional mesh (40), which provides strength and support for the implant. The mesh (40) may emerge from the rim (24) of the implant to provide anchor attachments. Preferably, the rim surface (24) should be porous, to promote tissue ingrowth, strengthening anchor support. At least some portion of the mesh (40) should extend through most of the hydrogel thickness to create a reinforcing "interpenetrating network" of fibers, modelled after natural body tissues. The articulating surfaces of a meniscal wedge should be coated with a hydrogel layer, which is smooth and nonabrasive, and made of a material that remains constantly wet. Mesh-reinforced gel implants may also be useful in repairing joints such as shoulders, wrists, ankles, or elbows, or appendages such as feet or hands.
|
