| 摘要 |
This invention relates to a self-forming orthopedic implant (10, 40, 60A/B, 100, 140, 200, 250, 280 and 330). The implant is formed a shape memory polymer. The implant can be provided in an original configuration selected to facilitate orthopedic treatment of bone defects, fixation of bone fragments and fractures, or selected to induce bone structures to conform to a desired anatomical configuration. Non-limiting examples of preferred configurations include bone spacers or bone plates, connective tissue replacements (i.e., tendons, ligaments, and/or cartilage). In preferred forms, the implant is deformed to an alternative configuration prior to implantation. Upon application of selected stimuli, for example, heating the implant to a temperature where the shape memory polymeric material becomes elastic induces the implant to revert to its original configuration. In use, when the implant is subjected to the selected stimuli, it conforms to a selected bone tissue or alternatively conforms to a configuration that urgers bone structures into a desired alignment and/or configuration. When used to replace connective tissues, the implant exhibits a tensile strengh to allow the adjacent bone structure to articulate, yet provides sufficient force to urge the bone structures into a desired position and alignment. |
