SOLID FORMS FOR TISSUE REPAIR
This invention provides coral-based scaffolds for cartilage repair, and instruments for insertion and utilization of same within a site of cartilage repair.
1 - 76 . (canceled)
77 . A scaffold for tissue repair, the scaffold consisting essentially of two portions wherein: a first portion of the two portions comprises solid coral containing pores and further comprises a series of hollows along the longitudinal axis of the scaffold in the first portion, and a second portion of the two portions comprises a solid coral containing pores,
wherein the longitudinal axis of the scaffold has a length of 2-200 mm, and wherein the scaffold has an average pore size of 1μm-1 mm.
78 . A scaffold for tissue repair, the scaffold consisting essentially of two portions wherein: a first portion of the two portions comprises solid coral containing pores and further comprises a series of hollows along the longitudinal axis of the scaffold in the first portion, and a second portion of the two portions comprises a solid coral containing pores,
wherein the longitudinal axis of the scaffold has a length of about 1-18 mm, and wherein the scaffold has an average pore size of 1μm-1 mm.
79 . The scaffold of claim 78 , wherein the scaffold has a length of 6-12 mm.
80 . The scaffold of claim 78 , wherein the scaffold has a length of 10-15 mm.
81 . The scaffold of claim 78 , wherein the scaffold is cylindrical and has a diameter of 3.5 mm, and a length of 6 mm.
82 . The scaffold of claim 78 , wherein the scaffold has an average pore size of 30-180 μm
83 . The scaffold of claim 78 , wherein the scaffold has an average pore size of 50-500 μm.
84 . The scaffold of claim 78 , wherein the scaffold has an average pore size of 150 μm-220 μm.
85 . The scaffold of claim 78 , wherein the scaffold has an average pore size of 250-1000 μm.
86 . The scaffold of claim 78 , wherein the scaffold is seeded with a cell population and wherein the cell population comprises mesenchymal stem cells or osteoblasts or chondrocytes or other cells involved in cartilage repair or a combination thereof.
87 . A method of inducing or enhancing repair, regeneration or enhancement of formation of cartilage, bone or a combination thereof, of a cartilage defect, the method comprising implanting in a subject, a scaffold of claim 78 within a site in need of repair, regeneration or enhancement of formation of cartilage, bone or a combination thereof in the subject.
88 . The method of claim 86 , wherein the cartilage defect or disorder comprises a full or partial thickness articular cartilage defect; osteochondral defect; osteoarthritis; osteochondritis dissecans; a joint defect; or a defect resulting from trauma, sports, or repetitive stress.
89 . The method of claim 86 , wherein the scaffold is positioned such that the at least a second porous portion is implanted within or proximally to cartilage tissue and the at least a first porous portion is implanted within or proximally to bone tissue.
90 . A kit for repair of cartilage or bone comprising the scaffold of claim 77 , and directions for utilizing the scaffold in tissue repair.
91 . The kit of claim 90 , which further comprises a tool or tools for optimal insertion of the scaffold.
92 . The kit of claim 90 , which further comprises a series of scaffolds of different sizes or shapes.
93 . The kit of claim 90 , which further comprises a tool or tools for optimal insertion of said scaffold, and a series of scaffolds of different sizes or shapes.