IN SITU MODIFICATION OF ALGINATE

摘要

A method of modifying salts of alginic acid in situ for prevention and treatment of various intra-articular and extra-articu-lar (spine) complications modifies the alginate in situ to an insoluble gel. This in situ modification provides a final product which can be compressed within the intra-articular space thus remaining localized. The modified material can have varied mechanical strengths and thus varied degradation times and can serve as a matrix for localizing and slowly releasing therapeutic agents. The modified material is biocompatible and biodegrable, thus requiring no reoperation for removal.