Novel Biologic Orthopedic Implant

Patented new technology allows bone to be softened in portions, for the first time combining flexible and inflexible bone sections in one implant. The flexible section is composed of the same collagen protein as tendons and ligaments, will remodel in the body into natural ligaments and tendons, while the hard bone section can be machined and threaded for anchoring into the patient's bone and will remodel as bone.

Using allograft tissue rather than tissue from a patient's own body eliminates a second surgical site and the need to rely on donor tissues, which are in short supply. The technology has been licensed to Regeneration Technologies Inc. (RTI, Alachua, FL, USA), a spinoff from the University of Florida Tissue Bank, where the technology was developed. RTI processes allograft tissue into shaped implants for use in orthopedic, urologic, craniofacial, and cardiovascular surgery.

We believe this technology will give surgeons and patients ultimate flexibility and will expand the options for ligament and tendon repair, said RTI CEO Jamie M. Grooms. Patients' wait for certain tissues will decrease, and more patients will be able to receive
needed allograft.