U.S. patent application number 17/015043 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-22 for connective tissue to bone interface scaffolds.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sparta Biopharma LLC. Invention is credited to Dimitrios J. ANGELIS, Travis E. ENTROP, Kurt W. S. KLITZKE, Adam W. MARTINEZ, Dushyanth R. SURAKANTI, Adam B. YANKE.
Application Number | 20210113325 17/015043 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005505153 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-22 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210113325 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SURAKANTI; Dushyanth R. ; et
al. |
April 22, 2021 |
CONNECTIVE TISSUE TO BONE INTERFACE SCAFFOLDS
Abstract
Connective tissue-to-bone interface scaffolds (e.g.,
ligament-to-bone interface scaffolds, tendon-to-bone interface
scaffolds, etc.). These scaffolds may be a single integrated
implant or may be a modular (e.g., two-part) implant system.
Inventors: |
SURAKANTI; Dushyanth R.;
(Madison, NJ) ; YANKE; Adam B.; (Madison, NJ)
; MARTINEZ; Adam W.; (Madison, NJ) ; KLITZKE; Kurt
W. S.; (Madison, NJ) ; ENTROP; Travis E.;
(Madison, NJ) ; ANGELIS; Dimitrios J.; (Madison,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sparta Biopharma LLC |
Madison |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005505153 |
Appl. No.: |
17/015043 |
Filed: |
September 8, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62923470 |
Oct 18, 2019 |
|
|
|
63069658 |
Aug 24, 2020 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2220/0075 20130101;
A61F 2220/005 20130101; A61F 2/0811 20130101; A61F 2210/0076
20130101; A61F 2250/006 20130101; A61F 2002/0876 20130101; A61F
2002/0823 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/08 20060101
A61F002/08 |
Claims
1. A flexible, compressible and compliant graft, the graft
comprising a strip of bone forming a body having a length, a width
and a thickness, wherein the thickness is between 4 mm and 6.5 mm
and is less than half the length and half the width, the body
further comprising: a first layer of porous demineralized bone
extending the length and width of the body; and a second layer of
porous mineralized bone extending along an outer surface of the
strip that is continuously adjacent to the first layer, wherein the
second layer has a constant thickness that is less than 1.5 mm;
wherein the body has a density that is less than 2.6e-4
g/mm.sup.3.
2. The graft of claim 1, wherein the second layer is between 1.2 mm
and 0.1 mm thick.
3. The graft of claim 1, wherein the body has a mean bending
thickness that is less than about 1.2 mNm.
4. The graft of claim 1, further comprising one or more suture
channels pre-formed through the thickness of the body.
5. The graft of claim 1, wherein the edges of the body are rounded,
having a radius of curvature of between 0.25 mm and 2 mm.
6. The graft of claim 1, wherein the edges of the body are beveled
at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees.
7. The graft of claim 1, wherein the first layer has a different
color than the second layer.
8. The graft of claim 1, wherein the body has a length of between
15 and 50 mm, a width of between 10-25 mm.
9. The graft of claim 1, wherein the body is substantially free of
fat and blood proteins.
10. The graft of claim 1, wherein the first layer is adhesively
secured to the second layer.
11. The graft of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a unitary
section of cancellous bone.
12. A flexible, compressible and compliant graft, the graft
comprising a strip of bone forming a body having a length, a width
and a thickness, wherein the thickness is between 4 mm and 6.5 mm
and is less than half the length and half the width, the body
further comprising: a first layer of porous demineralized bone
extending the length and width of the body; and a second layer of
porous mineralized bone extending along an outer surface of the
strip that is continuously adjacent to the first layer, wherein the
second layer has a thickness that is less than 1.5 mm that varies
by less than 10% along the entire second layer; wherein the body
had a density that is less than 2.6e-4 g/mm.sup.3 and a mean
bending thickness that is less than about 1.2 mNm.
13. A method of repairing a rotator cuff, the method comprising:
removing a region of a cortical layer of a humerus and/or forming
microfractures in the humerous, to expose a marrow material in an
attachment region; anchoring one or more suture to the humerus;
passing the one or more sutures through a thickness of a flexible,
compressible and compliant graft, the graft having a length, a
width and a thickness, wherein the thickness is less than half the
length and half the width, the graft further comprising: a first
layer of demineralized bone and a second layer of mineralized bone
that is continuously adjacent to the first layer, wherein the
second layer has a thickness that is less than 1.5 mm; securing the
second layer of the graft in contact with the marrow material,
wherein the second layer compliantly conforms to the attachment
region; and suturing a tendon against the first layer.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein securing the second layer of
the graft in contact with the marrow material comprises securing
the second layer so that fluid pressure from the humerous drives
the marrow material to infiltrate the second layer.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein suturing the tendon against the
first layer comprises suturing with the one or more sutures.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein suturing the tendon comprises
suturing the tendons of one or more of: the supraspinatus muscle,
infraspinatus muscle teres minor muscle or the subscapularis
muscle.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein passing the one or more sutures
through the thickness of the graft comprises passing the one or
more suture through holes pre-formed through the graft.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein the thickness of the second
layer is between 1.2 mm and 0.1 mm.
19. The method of claim 13, wherein the graft has a density that is
less than 2.6e-4 g/mm.sup.3.
20. The method of claim 13, wherein the graft is substantially free
of fat and blood proteins.
21. A method of repairing a rotator cuff, the method comprising:
removing a region of a cortical layer of a humerus to expose a
marrow material with an attachment region, wherein the region has a
length of between 10 and 50 mm, a width of between 6 and 25 mm;
anchoring one or more suture to the humerus; placing a flexible,
compressible and compliant graft against the attachment region, the
graft having a length, a width and a thickness, wherein the
thickness is less than half the length and half the width, the
graft further comprising: a first layer of demineralized bone and a
second layer of mineralized bone that is continuously adjacent to
the first layer, wherein the second layer has a thickness that is
less than 1.5 mm; securing the graft to the humerus so that the
second layer of the graft in contact with the marrow material and
compliantly conforms to the attachment region, so that fluid
pressure from the humerous drives the marrow material to infiltrate
the second layer; and suturing a tendon against the second bone
scaffold.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62,923,470, titled "CONNECTIVE TISSUE TO
BONE INTERFACE SCAFFOLDS," filed on Oct. 18, 2019, and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 63/069,658, titled "CONNECTIVE
TISSUE TO BONE INTERFACE SCAFFOLDS," filed on Aug. 24, 2020 each of
which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0002] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this
specification are herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication or
patent application was specifically and individually indicated to
be incorporated by reference.
FIELD
[0003] Described herein are scaffolds for repair of the enthesis,
including ligament to bone and tendon to bone interface scaffolds
for repair of torn tendons, ligaments, and/or calcified and
uncalcified fibrocartilage.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Connective tissues, including tendons and ligaments, provide
joint stability, guide joint motion, and play an important role in
proprioception. Injury to ligaments and tendons represents a major
portion of all sports-related injuries on an annual basis. In
particular, rotator cuff injuries are particularly prevalent and
difficult to repair.
[0005] The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that
surround the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm
bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. A rotator
cuff injury can cause a dull ache in the shoulder, which often
worsens when you try to sleep on the involved side. Rotator cuff
injuries occur most often in people who repeatedly perform overhead
motions in their jobs or sports. Examples include painters,
carpenters, and people who play baseball or tennis, although
rotator cuff tears may occur as a result of a single injury. The
risk of rotator cuff injury increases with age.
[0006] Extensive rotator cuff tears typically require surgical
repair, however current techniques are not optimal, and may be
difficult or impossible to achieve, or may fail days or months
after surgery. In particular, reattachment of connective tissue,
including rotator cuff tissue, to bone is notoriously difficult to
achieve. In uninjured tissue, the interface between the soft
connective tissue and the bone occurs through a complex and
distinct interface having multiple layers. The first is the
connective tissue proper, or midsubstance, which consists mostly of
a type I collagen matrix. The midsubstance inserts into a layer of
fibrocartilage mainly composed of type II collagen rich with
proteoglycans. This layer transitions into calcified fibrocartilage
layer. The final region is subchondral bone, which contained a
mineralized type I collagen matrix. The junction between bone and
soft connective tissue has controlled heterogeneity, permitting a
gradual manner of load transmission from the hard tissue to the
soft tissue in a manner hypothesized to minimize stress and strain
concentrations. Studies using autografts have shown that using the
soft connective tissue proper as the sole graft does not lead to
strong biological integration and the re-establishment of the
native bone-soft tissue interface. Without such integration,
mechanical stability is limited at the joint and the lack of
integration can produce higher rates of graft failure. In order to
restore the physiological structure and function of the tissue, new
strategies must be developed for the treatment of soft connective
tissue ruptures.
[0007] Tissue engineering has emerged in the past twenty years as a
promising strategy for soft connective tissue repairs. There have
been a number of reports on the use of tissue engineering
techniques to regenerate ligaments and tendons. However, most of
these studies focus on the midsubstance region and fail to address
the regeneration of the interface. To date, collagen fibers, silk
fibers, collagen gels and synthetic polymer scaffolds have been
utilized to replace the soft tissue portion of the ligament or
tendon. One example is a composite collagen fiber-collagen gel
scaffold seeded with fibroblasts that does not degrade in vitro and
matches many of the mechanical properties of normal ligaments.
Unfortunately for many tissues, especially those in the
musculoskeletal system, matching the mechanical properties is not
sufficient. In order to transmit loads, the construct must
successfully integrate with the host tissue and revascularize,
processes that are largely governed by the construct's
permeability.
[0008] Current standard of care for reattaching connective tissues
(ligament, tendon) to bone typically uses suture and suture anchors
to reattach the connective tissue to the bone. Re-tearing of the
connective tissue is common, and occurs in over half of the cases.
Further, full mobility and pain relief are not generally
possible.
[0009] Although bone implants for repairing damaged ligaments and
tendons from bone have been proposed (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,776,800, 6,855,169, 7,753,963, and 8,702,809), these implants
have been difficult to implement. In particular, these implants
have required hinge regions or other techniques for making them
flexible, often compromising their strength and structural
integrity and requiring complex fabrication processes. Thus, there
is a need for a connective tissue-to-bone interface scaffolds that
can easily be integrated into bone and revascularize, as well as
provide attachment and ingrowth for the connective tissue. In
particular, it is desirable to provide scaffolds that may be
adapted for easy attachment and use.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0010] Described herein are connective tissue-to-bone interface
scaffolds (e.g., ligament-to-bone interface scaffolds,
tendon-to-bone interface scaffolds, etc.). These scaffolds may be
referred to as grafts or implants, and may be a single integrated
implant or may be a modular (e.g., two- or more part) implant
system.
[0011] The connective tissue-to-bone interface grafts described
herein are typically formed of a bone material that has been
processed to form a layered structure having a first layer that is
demineralized and porous and a second layer that is mineralized and
porous. The graft may be a strip, having an elongate, flattened
sheet or strip-like configuration, in which the first (e.g., upper)
major side is mineralized and the second (e.g., lower) major side
is demineralized. The edges between the first and second side
(minor sides) may be rounded or beveled.
[0012] For example, in some variations the connective
tissue-to-bone interface graft described herein may be formed of a
bone allograft material that is derived from human bone (e.g.,
cancellous bone) and may have a length of between, e.g., 10-50 mm,
a width of between 6-26 mm in width, and a thickness of between
1-6.5 mm. In some variations the physician may cut this shape
(trimming the length and/or width) down to a different length and
width for implantation. As mentioned, the second major side is
demineralized to remove calcium and may be treated to prevent
osteogenesis, allowing the connective tissue (e.g., in some
variations of the rotator cuff) to heal directly to the implant on
the demineralized side. The demineralized side may be formed mostly
of type I collagen, similar to the tendon material. The opposite,
first major side may remain mineralized, providing a hard,
tissue-facing layer that enables osseointegration and fixation to
the bone. The top side and the bottom side are typically continuous
with each other and may be formed of the same original strip of
material (e.g., formed of a unitary section of cancellous bone).
Alternatively, in some variations the first layer (demineralized)
and the second (mineralized) layers may be separately formed and
attached, e.g., by an adhesive having the biocompatibility,
strength and viscosity necessary to allow it to hold the
mineralized portion to the demineralized portion without occluding
the pores on either side.
[0013] As described herein, it may be particularly important to
prevent occluding of the pores in either or both the mineralized
and demineralized sides of the implant. The grafts described herein
typically have a high porosity, allowing fluid conductance and
rapid cell incorporation into the thickness of the graft. The
porosity also promotes vascular ingrowth.
[0014] In use, the graft is affixed to the bone. For example, the
bone site (the site of implantation) may be prepared first to
receive the implant by exposing the bone and marrow in an
attachment region (e.g., a cut-out region), then one or more
anchors may be inserted into the humerus at the medial edge of the
rotator cuff, then the scaffold may be attached to the anchors with
the bone ingrowth side (the mineralized side) facing the bone. The
graft may be secured in place further by suture knots (tying knots
over the scaffold).
[0015] In general, it may be particularly beneficial to have the
graft be configured to flexibility and compliance, so that it may
be implanted, e.g., through a cannula, by folding or curling it,
and also for allowing the graft to conform to the often irregular
surface of the cut-our region of the bone. As described herein, the
applicants have surprisingly found that this may be achieved by
controlling the thickness of the mineralized region, e.g., so that
it is much thinner than the demineralized region, and not greater
than about 1.5 mm (e.g., is 1.5 mm or less, 1.4 mm or less, 1.3 mm
or less, 1.2 mm or less, 1.1 mm or less, 1.0 mm or less, 0.9 mm or
less, 0.8 mm or less, etc.). Thus, in general, the thickness of the
mineralized layer may be different and often much less than the
thicknesses of the demineralized layer forming the rest of the
graft. For example, the thickness of the demineralized portion of
the implant may be 55-99% (e.g., between about 60% and 99%, between
about 60-95%, between about 55-95%, between about 55-80%, between
about 55-75%, etc.) of the thickness of the graft (e.g., the
implant or scaffold).
[0016] Although in some of the grafts described herein the body of
the graft may be sufficiently `soft` so that a needle may be passed
through it, e.g., puncturing it, in any of the grafts described
herein may be configured for insertion or implantation into the
bone. For example, any of these implants may include one or more
pre-formed suture holes or passages through or into the body of the
implant. These suture openings or holes (or in some variations,
channels) may be configured to allow suture to be threaded into and
through the implant so that they be readily secured into the body,
particularly into the bone tissue. In some variations the implant
may be pre-threaded with one or more lengths of suture, which may
greatly enhance the ease of use and may help guide the physician in
attaching and positioning the implants. The pre-formed (e.g.,
drilled) holes may be treated to allow the suture to pass through
but may prevent tearing or damage to the graft, particularly the
softer, demineralized side.
[0017] Also described herein are multi-part grafts that may
including multiple planar layers that are either preassembled
(e.g., using an adhesive, suture, etc.) or may be used separately
and attached. For example, the implants described herein may
include a first layer that is mineralized that is attached (e.g.,
via an adhesive) either directly to a second layer of demineralized
bone that may be complimentary to the first layer, or indirectly,
e.g., through a third, intermediate layer. In some variations the
first and second (or first, second and third) layers may be
configured to engage with each other, e.g., via a formed attachment
between the complimentary sides of the first and second (or first
and third, second and third) layers. For example, the first layer
may attachably couple to the second layer.
[0018] In general the grafts described herein may have a low
stiffness (e.g., may be highly flexible), and a high
compressibility and compliance. The flexibility and compliance may
allow the graft to be inserted minimally invasively through a
cannula or other introducer, despite having a mineralized outer
surface that can interface with the bone. The high compliance of
the graft may also allow it to conform to the bone (e.g., an
attachment/cut-out region of the bone) more readily, which may
improve outcomes.
[0019] For example, described herein are flexible, compressible and
compliant grafts that may comprise a strip of bone forming a body
having a length, a width and a thickness, wherein the thickness is
less than half the length and half the width, the body further
comprising: a first layer of demineralized bone extending the
length and the width of the body; and a second layer of mineralized
bone that is continuously adjacent to the first layer, wherein the
second layer has a thickness that is less than 1.5 mm. In some
variations the second layer is between about 1.2 mm and 0.1 mm
thick. The second layer typically forms an outer surface of the
graft. The second layer may have a substantially constant
thickness, e.g., the thickness may vary by less than 10% (e.g.,
less than 9%, less than 8%, less than 7%, less than 6%, less than
5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, etc.) along the entire second
layer. The thickness of the body may be, for example, between about
3.5 and about 6.5 mm. In any of these grafts, the density of the
graft (e.g. the density of the body) may be less than 2.6e-4
g/mm.sup.3.
[0020] For example, a flexible, compressible and compliant graft,
may comprise a strip of bone forming a body having a length, a
width and a thickness, wherein the thickness is between 4 mm and
6.5 mm and is less than half the length and half the width, the
body further comprising: a first layer of porous demineralized bone
extending the length and width of the body; and a second layer of
porous mineralized bone extending along an outer surface of the
strip that is continuously adjacent to the first layer, wherein the
second layer has a constant thickness that is less than 1.5 mm;
wherein the body has a density that is less than 2.6e-4
g/mm.sup.3.
[0021] For example, a flexible, compressible and compliant graft
may comprise a strip of bone forming a body having a length, a
width and a thickness, wherein the thickness is between 4 mm and
6.5 mm and is less than half the length and half the width, the
body further comprising: a first layer of porous demineralized bone
extending the length and width of the body; and a second layer of
porous mineralized bone extending along an outer surface of the
strip that is continuously adjacent to the first layer, wherein the
second layer has a thickness that is less than 1.5 mm that varies
by less than 10% along the entire second layer; wherein the body
had a density that is less than 2.6e-4 g/mm.sup.3 and a mean
bending thickness that is less than about 1.2 mNm.
[0022] The body of the graft may have a mean bending thickness that
is less than about 1.2 mNm (e.g., less than about 1.1 mNm, less
than about 1.0 mNm, less than about 0.9 mNm, less than about 0.8
mNm, less than about 0.7 mNm, less than about 0.6 mNm, less than
about 0.5 mNm, less than about 0.1 mNm, etc.). Thus, the graft,
particularly when hydrated prior to implantation, may be highly
flexible, comparable to paper or newsprint, without breaking or
disrupting the mineralized layer extending across the side.
[0023] As mentioned, any of these grafts may include one or more
suture channels pre-formed through the thickness of the body.
[0024] The bone forming the graft may be any appropriate bone,
including human (allograft) or non-human bone, such as porcine
cancellous bone.
[0025] The edges of the body of the graft may be square or may be
rounded, e.g., having a radius of curvature of between 0.25 mm and
2 mm. In some variations the edges of the body are beveled at an
angle of between 30 and 60 degrees.
[0026] In any of the grafts described herein the first layer may
have a different color than the second layer. This may allow
immediate and easy recognition of the mineralized vs. demineralized
sides of the graft, which may otherwise be difficult to
distinguish. In some variations a biocompatible dye or coloring is
used to mark or label one or both sides to indicate which is
which.
[0027] As mentioned, the graft body may have a length of, e.g.,
between about 15 and 50 mm, and a width of, e.g., between about
10-25 mm. In general, the graft body may be substantially free of
fat and blood proteins. In some variations the first layer (e.g.,
the demineralized layer) is substantially free of
ostioinductivity.
[0028] In some variations, the mineralized (e.g., second) layer has
8% or more calcium, while the demineralized (first) layer has less
than 8% calcium.
[0029] As mentioned, also described herein are methods of using any
of these grafts to repair tissue, including (but not limited to)
repair of a rotator cuff. For example, a method of repairing a
rotator cuff may include: removing a region of a cortical layer of
a humerus and/or forming microfractures in the humerous to expose a
marrow material in an attachment region; anchoring one or more
suture to the humerus; passing the one or more sutures through a
thickness of a flexible, compressible and compliant graft, the
graft having a length, a width and a thickness, wherein the
thickness is less than half the length and half the width, the
graft further comprising: a first layer of demineralized bone and a
second layer of mineralized bone that is continuously adjacent to
the first layer, wherein the second layer has a thickness that is
less than 1.5 mm; securing the second layer of the graft in contact
with the marrow material, wherein the second layer compliantly
conforms to the attachment region (in some variations, so that
fluid pressure from the humerous drives the marrow material to
infiltrate the second layer); and suturing a tendon against the
first layer. The thickness of the second layer may be between 1.2
mm and 0.1 mm. The graft may have a density that is less than
2.6e-4 g/mm.sup.3.
[0030] The step of removing a region of the cortical layer and/or
forming microfractures in the humerous may be done alternatively or
additionally. For example, in some variations, the bone (e.g.,
humerous) is prepared by removing a region of the cortical layer,
e.g., to form a shelf or landing pad region to which the graft may
be attached. Alternatively, in some variations the bone (e.g.,
humerous) may be prepared by forming microfractures to the region
to which the graft will be attached, without removing a region. In
some variations both a region of the bone may be removed and the
bone may be treated to form microfractures.
[0031] For example, a method of repairing a rotator cuff may
include: removing a region of a cortical layer of a humerus and/or
forming microfractures in the bone to expose a marrow material
within an attachment region, wherein the region has a length of
between 10 and 50 mm, a width of between 6 and 25 mm; anchoring one
or more suture to the humerus; placing a flexible, compressible and
compliant graft against the attachment region, the graft having a
length, a width and a thickness, wherein the thickness is less than
half the length and half the width, the graft further comprising: a
first layer of demineralized bone and a second layer of mineralized
bone that is continuously adjacent to the first layer, wherein the
second layer has a thickness that is less than 1.5 mm; securing the
graft to the humerus so that the second layer of the graft in
contact with the marrow material and compliantly conforms to the
attachment region, so that fluid pressure from the humerous drives
the marrow material to infiltrate the second layer; and suturing a
tendon against the second bone scaffold.
[0032] Suturing the tendon against the first layer may comprise
suturing with the one or more sutures. Suturing the tendon may
comprise suturing the tendons of one or more of: the supraspinatus
muscle, infraspinatus muscle teres minor muscle or the
subscapularis muscle.
[0033] Passing the one or more sutures through the thickness of the
graft may comprise passing the one or more suture through holes
pre-formed through the graft. Alternatively or additionally, the
grafts described herein may permit a needle to be passed through
the graft without requiring a pre-formed hole.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] The novel features of the invention are set forth with
particularity in the claims that follow. A better understanding of
the features and advantages of the present invention will be
obtained by reference to the following detailed description that
sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the
invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:
[0035] FIG. 1 is an example of a bone scaffold having a layer of
demineralized and a layer of mineralized bone as described
herein.
[0036] FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate example of biocompatible bone
scaffolds as described herein.
[0037] FIG. 3 is an example of a bone scaffold including pre-formed
suture channels.
[0038] FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate bone scaffolds having rounded (FIG.
4A) or tapered (FIG. 4B) edges as described herein.
[0039] FIGS. 5A-5B show examples of bone scaffolds having initially
separate demineralized and mineralized layers.
[0040] FIGS. 6(1)-6(10) illustrates one method of
implanting/inserting bone scaffold to repair a connective (e.g.,
tendon) tissue as described herein.
[0041] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate examples of the decalcified (FIG.
7A) and calcified (FIG. 7B) sides of a graft as described
herein.
[0042] FIG. 7C shows a side view of a graft as described herein,
including both calcified and decalcified layers, positioned
adjacent to each other.
[0043] FIG. 7D shows an example of a graft (such as the one shown
in FIG. 7C) being bent between two fingers.
[0044] FIGS. 7E and 7F illustrate the compressibility of the graft
shown in FIG. 7D. FIG. 7E shows the graft between two fingers in an
uncompressed configuration. FIG. 7F shows the same graft being
compressed between two fingers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] Described herein are connective tissue-to-bone interface
scaffolds (e.g., grafts) that are adapted and configured for
surgical implantation onto bone to allow ingrowth of both bone as
well as connective tissue. These grafts may be particularly well
adapted for implantation and attachment as part of a
minimally-invasive, e.g., arthroscopic, laparoscopic, surgery.
[0046] For example, FIG. 1 shows one example of a tissue-to-bone
interface scaffold as described herein 100. In FIG. 1, the scaffold
includes a first, demineralized layer 101 and a second mineralized
layer 103. As will be described in detail below, the dimensions of
the mineralized and demineralized layers, and in particular, their
ratios, may be selected within a desired range to optimize both the
ease of using them in the particular surgical procedures described
herein, as well as for stability and in-growth of connective tissue
and/or bone. In FIG. 1 the mineralized and demineralized portions
are both porous, although they may have different porosities. For
example, the porosity of the mineralized side of the implant may be
greater than (or the same as) the porosity of the demineralized
side, and may be configured or selected to permit the fluid
pressure from the humerus to drive bone marrow into the scaffold
(e.g., into the cancellous side of the scaffold). In some
variations the implant may be configured to limit the migration of
the bone marrow into the demineralized side, e.g., by limiting the
porosity and/or by treatments to limit migration (including
treatments to reduce the side, modify the surface properties,
provide a barrier to migration, etc.). In some variations the
scaffold may be configured to permit migration of the bone marrow
into the demineralized side.
[0047] In general the bone scaffold may be at least two layers,
e.g., the demineralized layer and the mineralized layer, that are
immediately adjacent to each other. The scaffold may be shaped and
sized so that it may be inserted or implanted into the body, as
will be described in greater detail below, as well as providing
optimal attachment to the bone and connective tissue.
[0048] For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-2D, the biocompatible bone
scaffold may be rectangular or approximately rectangular (e.g.,
rectanguloid), and may have one or more rounded edges. In some
variations the scaffold has a structure dimensioned somewhat like a
stick of gum, e.g., having a flat body that is longer than it is
wide, and substantially thinner than it is wide or long. For
example, the length and/or width may be greater than 2.times.
(e.g., greater than about 3.times., 4.times., 5.times., 10.times.,
15.times., 20.times., etc.) the thickness of the scaffold, where
the thickness is the combined thickness of the mineralized and
demineralized layers. The mineralized and demineralized layers may
be the same length and width; in some variations the mineralized
and demineralized layers have different lengths and/or widths but
either the width and/or the length of the demineralized layer maybe
within +/-20% (e.g., +/-18%, +/-15%, +/-12.5%, +/-10%, +/-8%,
+/-7.5%, +/-5%, etc.) of the mineralized layer.
[0049] Thus, the scaffolds described herein typically comprise a
collagen-based porous network capable of guiding tissue
differentiation that can be used to regrow damaged soft tissues
(e.g., connective tissue). The relatively high porosity, e.g. of
either or both the demineralized and mineralized material may allow
host integration, regeneration of relatively large sections of
tissue, and vascularization. The collagen-based porous structure
may allow binding of a variety of factors to the trabeculae (pores)
within the scaffold formed of bone. Additional materials, such as
hydrogels or extracellular matrix material, and/or a variety of
biological components and therapeutic compounds may be integrated
within the scaffold. The scaffolds may contain collagen trabeculae
that may allow the structure to maintain a pre-defined shape and
maintain nutrient transport. Thus, the scaffolds described herein
may desirably provide mechanical integrity, nutrient transport
during tissue regeneration, differentiation of well-defined cell
populations, vascularization.
[0050] The grafts described herein may therefore include
demineralized bone. The demineralized bone may be cancellous or
corticocancellous bone. Cortical bone is the dense surface layer of
the bone having little vascularization. In contrast, cancellous
bone is a spongy material that makes up the bulk of the interior of
bones. Compared to cortical bone it has a low density and strength,
but very high surface area. These differences result in
demineralized bone having differing properties, with demineralized
cancellous bone comprising pores with diameters of about 100
microns to 2 mm while, in contrast, demineralized cortical bone may
have a maximum pore size on the order of about 10 nm to 50
microns.
[0051] The term "biocompatible" may refer to any material having a
relatively low risk of provoking an adverse response when
introduced in a mammal, in particular a human patient. For example,
a suitable biocompatible material when introduced into a human
patient has relatively low immunogenicity and toxicity. The term
"demineralized" may refer to bone from which a substantial portion
of minerals natively associated with the bone minerals have been
removed. The term "demineralized bone" is intended to refer to any
bone, including cortical and/or cancellous bone, from any source
including autologous, allogeneic and/or xenogeneic bone, that has
been demineralized to contain, in certain embodiments, less than
about 8 wt % residual calcium (e.g., less than about 7 wt %
residual calcium, less than about 6 wt % residual calcium, less
than about 5 wt % residual calcium, less than about 4 wt % residual
calcium, less than about 3 wt % residual calcium, less than about 2
wt % residual calcium, or less than about 1 wt % residual calcium,
etc.).
[0052] A scaffold is "substantially free of mineralized bone" when
all of the bone within the scaffold has been exposed to
demineralizing conditions and is at least partially demineralized.
Scaffolds that are substantially free of mineralized bone are
structurally and functionally distinct from bioscaffolds made from
bone that has been masked prior to demineralization (see, e.g., US
Published Application 20110066241).
[0053] The term "osteoconductive" may refer to the ability of a
substance to support or conduct bone growth, while "osteoinductive"
may refer to the ability of a substance to induce bone growth.
[0054] In some variations all or a portion of a scaffold as
described herein may be comprised of demineralized cancellous bone
and/or portions, regions, or segments of demineralized cancellous
bone that have been stiffened by physicochemical methods, such as
heating or stretching (i.e., strain hardening), or by crosslinking
(e.g., chemically and/or physically) to increase their strength,
e.g., to hold sutures, to aid in retention of shape, and/or to
resist compression.
[0055] The bone scaffolds described herein may in certain
embodiments be or include an autograft, an allograft or a
xenograft. If the scaffold is a xenograft it may be from, by way of
non-limiting example, ovine, porcine or bovine bone. The bone may
be taken from any bone having suitable properties for the intended
application of the scaffold. Properties to consider in selecting
bone for the bioscaffold include porosity, pore size, connectivity,
mechanical strength, surface area/volume ratio, the size of the
scaffold required in the application, and the like. In some
variations, as will be described below, the bone may include both
regions of cancellous and cortical bone; thus the scaffolds may be
derived from cortical and/or cancellous bone. In certain
embodiments, the bone is vertebral, femoral, or pelvic cancellous
bone. In certain embodiments, the scaffold may be made from a
continuous piece of bone. In certain embodiments, the scaffold may
be formed from multiple pieces of bone joined together, for
example, by suturing, crosslinking, adhesively connecting, etc.
[0056] A bone material for use as a scaffold may be treated to
remove cells (including marrow). The section of bone may then be
shaped using methods known in the art. Alternatively, the bone may
be shaped before removal of the marrow. The bone section may be
shaped into any shape desired for the scaffold, particularly those
described herein.
[0057] Bone may be demineralized in any appropriate manner. For
example, demineralized bone may be formed by one or more of:
decalcification by acid extraction; sonication in detergent
solution (e.g., TERGAZYME.RTM., Alconox, White Plains, N.Y.);
alternated with rinsing in pure water (as would be understood by
the skilled artisan, this cycle may be repeated as needed until
substantially all fat, marrow, and other components in the
trabecular space are removed); treatment with alkylammonium salts
of EDTA, defatting by soaking in acetone; treatment with
hydrochloric acid (HCl), in certain embodiments with ethylene
diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). In certain embodiments, the
demineralization process may include treatment with one or more
nonionic detergents, such as TRITON.RTM. X-100, Tween.RTM. 80,
N,N-Dimethyldodecylamino-N-oxide, Octylglucoside, Polyoxyethylene
(PEG) alcohols, Polyoxyethylene-p-t-octylphenol, Polyoxyethylene
nonylphenol, Polyoxyethylene sorbitol esters,
Polyoxy-propylene-polyoxyethylene esters, and
p-isoOctylpolyoxy-ethylene-phenol formaldehyde polymer.
[0058] In certain embodiments, the bone scaffolds may be washed in
peroxide (e.g., H.sub.2O.sub.2) to remove osteoinductive factors.
Other methods and reagents for removing osteoinductive factors are
known in the art, and include those described in U.S. Pub.
2005/0136124. Osteoinductivity of resulting scaffolds can be
determined using standard methods in the art, such as ELISA for BMP
or other factors that contribute to osteoinductive activity (e.g.,
fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), insulin-like growth factor-I
and -II (IGF-I and IGF-II), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF),
and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-.beta.1)), on eluates
during/after the treatment process.
[0059] One or more agents may be added to all or a portion of the
scaffolds described herein. For example, in some variations the
demineralized or mineralized layers (or both) may include an agent
to enhance ingrowth and/or attachment to the connective tissue
and/or the bone. In some embodiments, the bone scaffold (either or
both the demineralized or mineralized layers) may be embedded with,
injected with or otherwise have attached thereto, cells, any of a
variety of pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, growth factors, hydrogel,
collagen gel or mixtures thereof. It is contemplated that any
composition, compound or biologic that helps in healing and
integration of the scaffold may be added. Non-limiting examples of
cells that may be added to a scaffold include any variety of stem
cell, such as adult stem cells or cells derived from the soft
tissue to be repaired (e.g., cells from soft tissue including
tendon, ligament, fascia, fibrous tissues, fat, synovial membranes,
cartilage tissue, meniscal tissue, ligament tissue, tendon tissue,
and combinations thereof) or mixtures thereof. The tissue used can
be autogeneic tissue, allogeneic tissue, or xenogeneic tissue.
Tissue and/or cells can be obtained using any of a variety of
conventional techniques, for example, by biopsy or other surgical
removal. Preferably, the tissue sample is obtained under aseptic
conditions.
[0060] Any of these scaffolds may have embedded therein, are
embedded in, injected with, encapsulated by or otherwise attached
to one or more polymeric carriers and/or matrices which may be
adapted to contain and release a compound or cell type of interest.
For example, in some variations the scaffold, and particularly the
demineralized side, may be seeded with tendon progenitor cells. In
certain embodiments, the carrier containing the compound is a
combination with a carbohydrate, protein or polypeptide. Within
certain embodiments, the polymeric carrier contains or comprises
regions, pockets, or granules of one or more of the compounds. For
example, within one embodiment, compounds may be incorporated
within a matrix which contains the compound, followed by
incorporation of the matrix within the polymeric carrier. A variety
of matrices can be utilized in this regard, including for example,
carbohydrates and polysaccharides such as starch, cellulose,
dextran, methylcellulose, and hyaluronic acid, proteins or
polypeptides such as albumin, collagen and gelatin.
[0061] In some variations, the scaffolds described herein include a
biocompatible layer. Such biocompatible layers may be semipermeable
or bioresorbable. In other embodiments, scaffolds may be embedded
in or encapsulated by a biodegradable layer. Such biocompatible
and/or biodegradable layers include biodegradable polymers. For
example, in certain embodiments, poly(.epsilon.-caprolactone) (PCL)
may be used with the scaffolds described herein. PCL is an
aliphatic polyester which can be degraded by hydrolysis under
physiological conditions and it is non-toxic and tissue compatible.
The degradation of PCL is significantly slower than that of certain
polymers and copolymers of lactic and glycolic acids and is
therefore suitable for the design of long-term drug delivery
systems. Other illustrative biodegradable polymers include,
chitosan, heparin, chitosan-heparin complexes, biodegradable
polymers, such as poly (DL-lactide-coglycolide) for sustained
release delivery after implantation (Emerich, D F et al., 1999,
Cell Transplant, 8, 47-58) or compositions comprising
polybutylcyanoacrylate. In certain embodiments, bioresorbable
polycaprolactone/polyglycolic acid (PCL/PGA) polymers are suitable.
Examples of other biodegradable polymers include polymers or
copolymers formed from monomers of lactide, glycolide, dioxanone,
and caprolactone; collagen, fibrin, and silk; poly-(orthoesters)
and poly-(anhydrides), polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid,
copolymers of polylactic and polyglycolic acid (e.g.,
poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid; PLGA), polyepsilon caprolactone,
polyhydroxy butyric acid, polyorthoesters, polyacetals,
polydihydropyrans, polycyanoacrylates and cross linked or
amphipathic block copolymers of hydrogels. As used herein, the term
"glycolide" is understood to include polyglycolic acid. Further,
the term "lactide" is understood to include L-lactide, D-lactide,
blends thereof, and lactic acid polymers and copolymers.
Biocompatible layers may be applied to the scaffold, by a variety
of well-known techniques. For illustration, heparin can be applied
to the scaffold in various ways including: First, benzalkonium
heparin (BA-Hep) solution can be applied to the scaffold by dipping
the scaffold in the solution and then air-drying it. This procedure
treats the scaffold with an ionically bound BA-Hep complex. Second,
EDC can be used to activate the heparin, then to covalently bond
the heparin to the scaffold. Third, EDC can be used to activate the
collagen, then covalently bond protamine to the collagen and then
ionically bond heparin to the protamine. Many other coating,
bonding, and attachment procedures are well known in the art and
may also be used. Treatment of the scaffold with drugs in addition
to or in substitution for heparin may be accomplished as described
elsewhere herein and based on art-established techniques.
[0062] In some variations the scaffolds described herein may also
or alternatively include radio opaque materials (e.g., barium
sulfate) that will render the scaffolds radio opaque. The scaffolds
may also include materials that will promote tissue regeneration or
regrowth, as well as those that act as buffers, reinforcing
materials or porosity modifiers. As mentioned, the bone scaffolds
described herein may be embedded with or otherwise comprise any of
a variety of biomolecules, growth factors, differentiation factors,
and like biological components. Any agent that facilitates tissue
repair is contemplated for use with the scaffolds described herein.
The biological components used in the scaffolds can also be
selected from among a variety of effectors that, when present at
the site of injury, promote healing and/or regeneration of the
affected tissue. In addition to being compounds or agents that
actually promote or expedite healing, the effectors may also
include compounds or agents that prevent infection (e.g.,
antimicrobial agents and antibiotics), compounds or agents that
reduce inflammation (e.g., anti-inflammatory agents), compounds
that prevent or minimize adhesion formation, such as oxidized
regenerated cellulose (e.g., INTERCEED.RTM. and SURGICEL.RTM.,
available from Ethicon, Inc.), hyaluronic acid, and compounds or
agents that suppress the immune system (e.g., immunosuppressants).
The component or effector compounds included with the scaffolds
described herein can be incorporated within the scaffold before or
after manufacture of the scaffold, or before or after the surgical
placement of the scaffold. Prior to surgical placement, the
biocompatible scaffold can be placed in a suitable container
comprising the biological component. After an appropriate time and
under suitable conditions, the scaffold will become impregnated
with the biological component. Alternatively, the biological
component can be incorporated within the scaffold by, for example,
using an appropriately gauged syringe to inject the biological
agent(s) into the scaffold. Other methods well known to those of
ordinary skill in the art can be applied in order to load a
scaffold with an appropriate biological component, such as mixing,
pressing, spreading, centrifuging and placing the biological
component into the scaffold. Alternatively, the biological
component can be mixed with a gel-like carrier prior to injection
into the scaffold. The gel-like carrier can be a biological or
synthetic hydrogel as described elsewhere herein, and/or may
include an alginate, a crosslinked alginate, hyaluronic acid,
collagen gel, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), poly(oxyalkylene), a
copolymer of poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide), poly(vinyl
alcohol) and blends thereof. In some variations, following surgical
placement, an implant wherein the biocompatible scaffold is devoid
of any biological component can be infused with biological
agent(s), or an implant wherein the scaffold includes at least one
biological component can be augmented with a supplemental quantity
of the biological component. One method of incorporating a
biological component within a surgically installed implant is by
injection using an appropriately gauged syringe.
[0063] Further agents for use with the scaffolds described herein
include any one or more of a variety of antibiotics. Antibiotics
are well known in the art and include Abacavir, Acyclovir,
Albendazole, Amikacin, Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Azithromycin,
Aztreonam, Benzilpenicillin, Cefepime, Ceftriaxone, Cephalexin,
Chloramphenicol, Chloroquine, Cilastatin, Clindamycin,
Co-trimoxazole, Didanosine, Dioxidine, Doxycycline, Famciclovir,
fluoroquinolones, Fluconazole, Fosfomycin, Furazolidone, Fusidic
acid, Ganciclovir, Gentamicin, Isoniazid, Josamycin, Kanamycin,
Ketoconazole, Lamivudine, Lincomycin, Linezolid, Mebendazole,
Meropenem, Metronidazole, Moxifloxacin, Mupirocin, Nystatin,
Nitrofurantoin, Nitroxoline, Norfloxacin, Ofloxacin, Ornidazole,
Oseltamivir, Polymixin B, Polymyxin M, Proguanil, Ribavirin,
Rifampicin, Rimantadine, Roxithromycin, Spectinomycin,
Sulfodimidin, Teicoplanin, Terbinafine, Tetracycline, Timidazole,
Valaciclovir, Valganciclovir, Vancomycin, Zanamivir, and
Zidovudine.
[0064] Further agents for use with the scaffolds described herein
include any one or more of a variety of anti-viral drugs.
Anti-viral drugs are well known in the art. Illustrative anti-viral
agents include, but are not limited to Abacavir--anti-HIV. NRTI
drug. "Ziagen" (ViiV Healthcare). In combination formulations:
"Trizivir" and "Kivexa/Epzicom", Aciclovir--anti-HSV, Acyclovir,
Adefovir, Amantadine, Amprenavir, Ampligen, Arbidol, Atazanavir,
Atripla, Boceprevir, Cidofovir, Combivir, Darunavir, Delavirdine,
Didanosine, Docosanol, Edoxudine, Efavirenz, Emtricitabine,
Enfuvirtide, Entecavir, Entry inhibitors, Famciclovir, Fixed dose
combination (antiretroviral), Fomivirsen, Fosamprenavir, Foscarnet,
Fosfonet, Fusion inhibitor, Ganciclovir, Ibacitabine, Immunovir,
Idoxuridine, Imiquimod, Indinavir, Inosine, Integrase inhibitor,
Interferon type III, Interferon type II, Interferon type I,
Interferon, Lamivudine, Lopinavir, Loviride, Maraviroc, Moroxydine,
Methisazone, Nelfinavir, Nevirapine, Nexavir, Nucleoside analogues,
Oseltamivir, Peginterferon alfa-2a, Penciclovir, Peramivir,
Pleconaril, Podophyllotoxin, Protease inhibitor, Raltegravir,
Reverse transcriptase inhibitor, Ribavirin, Rimantadine, Ritonavir,
Pyramidine, Saquinavir, Stavudine, Synergistic enhancer
(antiretroviral), Tea tree oil, Tenofovir, Tenofovir disoproxil,
Tipranavir, Trifluridine, Trizivir, Tromantadine, Truvada,
Valaciclovir, Valganciclovir, Vicriviroc, Vidarabine, Viramidine,
Zalcitabine, Zanamivir, and Zidovudine.
[0065] In further embodiments, the surface chemistry of the
scaffold may be altered. In this regard, the surface may be
modified by covalent (direct) attachment of biomolecules or by
adsorption of biomolecules. Illustrative biomolecules include any
of the biomolecules disclosed herein, such as but not limited to
cellular proteins, any of the polymers described herein, collagens,
extracellular matrix components, cytokines, growth factors,
anti-inflammatory mediators and others.
[0066] In certain embodiments, the surface structure of the
scaffold may be modified to provide texture, roughness and/or
three-dimensional unevenness to the scaffold. The surface roughness
of the scaffold may be altered by chemical etching or by physical
etching. The scaffolds described herein may also be used as
delivery devices for therapeutics, wherein the therapeutic
comprises the minced tissue, which may include a combination of
cells, extracellular matrix and/or inherent growth factors. The
scaffold portion of the implant may thus permit hormones and
proteins to be released into the surrounding environment.
[0067] The fully demineralized layer(s) of the scaffold may have a
calcium content of, for example, from about 0% to about 2%. The
scaffold may further comprise a partially demineralized bone layer
between the mineralized segment and the demineralized bone segment.
A partially demineralized bone segment may have a calcium content
from about 2% to about 10% calcium. The partially demineralized
segment may be significantly smaller than either the fully
demineralized or the mineralized segments.
[0068] The bone scaffolds described herein may be used to repair of
ligaments, tendons, cartilage or growth plates in the shoulder,
hand, elbow, knee, foot, ankle or any other anatomical location as
needed. Furthermore, the scaffold of the present invention may be
applied to replace or repair any of a variety of joints.
[0069] The fully demineralized layer(s) of the bone scaffolds
described herein may be formed by any appropriate method. In some
variations the mineralized layer(s) may be masked before
demineralization. Any method or substance may be used to mask the
bone that is resistant to demineralization conditions and in some
variations this masked region may be readily removed after
demineralization. Alternatively, the bones may be masked with a
material that is biologically and physiologically compatible and
therefore does not need to be removed after demineralization. In
some variations the layer to remain mineralized may be masked with
wax or with a polymer. In one illustrative embodiment, the polymer
is any polymer that may be removed with acetone or ethanol.
[0070] Masking may be particularly difficult to achieve precisely
with the exacting thicknesses (and ratios of thicknesses, e.g., of
mineralized to demineralized) described herein. Thus, in some
variations more precise means be used, including in particular,
starting with bone that includes both cortical and cancellous bone,
as will be described in greater detail below.
[0071] As mentioned above, the scaffolds described herein may be
treated to increase the strength of the scaffold. For collagenous
structures, crosslinking provides greater mechanical strength and a
degree of resistance to proteolytic enzyme degradation, increasing
the in vivo lifetime of the cancellous bone scaffolds. The
cancellous bone scaffolds may be crosslinked, either chemically or
mechanically. Crosslinking the cancellous bone scaffold may
substantially increase the mechanical integrity of the scaffold,
without substantially altering the cytocompatibility of the
scaffold. Additionally, both the physical and chemical crosslinking
methods may be biologically compatible. Non-limiting examples of
physical crosslinking may be dehydrothermal crosslinking or
crosslinking by exposure to gamma radiation or ultraviolet
radiation. Physical crosslinking methods of proteinaceous material
such as the cancellous bone scaffolds are well known in the art.
Alternatively or additionally, the bone scaffold may be chemically
crosslinked. Functional groups that specifically react with amines
may be, but not limited to, aldehydes, N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS),
isocyanate, epoxide and acrylate. The collagen material of the
cancellous bone scaffold is known to comprise lysine residues that
may be crosslinked. Functional groups that are non-selective may
be, but not limited to, active esters, epoxides, azides,
carbonylimidazole, nitrophenyl carbonates, tresylate, mesylate,
tosylate and isocyanate. Other agents may also be employed for
chemically crosslinking the cancellous bone scaffold, including,
but not limited to, carbodiimides, genipin, aldehydes such as
glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde, acyl azide, poly-epoxy compounds,
butanediol diglycidyl ether, dye mediated photooxidation or tannic
acid. A mixture of crosslinking agents may be used. The choice of
crosslinking agent may depend on the amount of crosslinking
desired, although this may also be controlled by controlling the
time of the crosslinking reaction and/or by controlling the
concentration of the crosslinking agent.
[0072] In some variations, the osteoinductivity of the scaffold
(and particularly the demineralized layer) may be removed from the
cancellous bone scaffold, e.g., using peroxide or other agents, as
described above.
[0073] The scaffold described herein may be useful in treating
injuries involving interfaces within connective tissues. The major
applications include repair of ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
Ligaments are dense bands of connective tissue composed primarily
of type I collagen that connect bones to other bones. Ligaments
function as motion guides and joint motion restrictors. At all
articulating joints (neck, spine, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip,
knee, ankle) in the body, these tissues are placed under constant
dynamic loading. An injury known as a sprain results when the
ligaments are stretched, and in some cases, stretched severely
enough to be torn. While in some cases, ligament tears can heal on
their own, other cases show a lack of inherent healing capacity. If
left untreated or if treated improperly, ligament tears can lead to
chronic disability including arthritis at the affected joint.
Tendons, like ligaments, are dense collagenous tissues found at
every articulating joint in the body. Tendons, however, connect
muscles to bone, allowing the force produced by the muscles to be
translated into motion. When overloaded, tendons are at risk for
tearing and in some cases require surgical replacement to return
joint motion and prevent muscle atrophy.
[0074] FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate examples of grafts as described
herein including a mineralized layer 103 and a demineralized layer
101. As mentioned above, in some variations the scaffold may have
dimensions that are optimized to prevent breaking, improve delivery
and enhance integration into the tissues of the body. For example,
in some variations the scaffold 100 may be configured as
rectanguloid body having dimensions in which the length 107 is
between about 15 and 50 mm (e.g., between 15-35 mm, between 15-30
mm, between 20-30 mm, between 20-28 mm, between 15-25 mm, etc.),
the width 105 is between about 10-26 mm (e.g., between 12-18 mm,
between 15-20 mm, between 10-15 mm, between 13-17 mm, etc.), and
the thickness is between 2-6.5 mm (e.g., between 2-6.0 mm, between
2-5.5 mm, etc.).
[0075] The thickness of the demineralized 111 and mineralized 109
layers may be different. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the
demineralized layer 111' is thicker (e.g., between 60-99% of the
thickness of the body of the scaffold, e.g., between 60-95%,
between 65-99%, between 70-95%, etc.). The thickness of the
mineralized layer 109' may be, e.g., between about 40 and 1% of the
thickness of the body (e.g., between 35-1%, between 35-1%, between
35-5%, etc.). In particular, the thickness of the mineralized layer
may be limited to a maximum (regardless of the thickness of the
demineralized layer), such as about 1.5 mm or less (e.g., 1.4 mm or
less, 1.3 mm or less, 1.2 mm or less, 1.1 mm or less, 1.0 mm or
less, 0.9 mm or less, 0.8 mm or less, 0.7 mm or less, between about
1.4 mm and 0.1 mm, between about 1 mm and 0.1 mm, etc.)
[0076] Alternatively, in some variations, as shown in FIG. 2C the
mineralized layer 109'' is thicker (e.g., between 60-90% of the
thickness of the body of the scaffold, e.g., between 60-85%,
between 65-85%, between 70-80%, etc.). The thickness of the
demineralized layer 111'' may be, e.g., between about 40 and 10% of
the thickness of the body (e.g., between 40-15%, between 35-10%,
between 35-15%, etc.).
[0077] In some variations the graft may be configured for insertion
into the body. For example, the graft may include a thin
mineralized bone layer formed adjacent to a thicker demineralized
layer to provide bending without breaking the mineralized
layer.
[0078] In some variations, the graft may include regions of fully
demineralized bone. FIG. 2D illustrates one example of a scaffold
including regions between mineralized layer regions formed by
demineralizing the bone in these regions. These regions may be one
continuous region (e.g., a longitudinally-extending region, etc.)
or a plurality of separate regions. In FIG. 2D, the scaffold 100
includes a central longitudinal region 121 through the mineralized
layer (the longitudinal axis may be referred to as the long axis,
and may line in the direction of the length 107 of the scaffold).
The demineralized bending region may provide sufficient flexibility
so that the mineralized bone layer 103, 103' on either side of the
region may flex or bend for inserting into a cannula to be
delivered into the body. FIG. 2E shows another example of a
scaffold implant that includes a plurality of demineralized regions
formed along the length of the mineralized bone layer 103. The
demineralized regions (bending regions) may extend completely to
the demineralized layer 101 or partially to the demineralized
layer.
[0079] In some variations the scaffold may be notched to allow it
to bend, e.g., by notching the mineralized side (not shown). This
may be done in addition to or instead of including a region of
demineralized bone.
[0080] Any of the scaffolds described herein may include one or
more channels or openings configured to receive suture for
attaching the device to the body and/or for attaching the tissue
(connective tissue) to the scaffold. In particular, the openings or
channels may be suture channels that may extend in some variations
transversely through the thickness, as shown in FIG. 3A. In FIG. 3
two suture channels 304, 305 are shown through the middle region of
the scaffold 300; these channels may pass completely through the
mineralized layer 103 and in some cases through the demineralized
layer 101. Alternatively in some variations a suture channel may
extend just partially into the thickness and then travel
transversely (not shown) and then exit the same side it entered
from or a different side.
[0081] In any of these variations the suture channel may be treated
to prevent snagging, treating or breaking the suture (e.g., on the
porous structure of the bone) or risk damaging the bone. For
example, the bone regions forming the channel may be compressed,
polished, and/or sealed to prevent access to the trabecula within
the layer(s). In some variations the opening into the scaffold may
be rounded to remove any sharp edges.
[0082] Any number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc.) of openings
into the bone layers may be formed in the scaffold. The positions
of the one or more openings may be arranged in any appropriate
region of the scaffold, such sat the central region, an upper
region 308, a lower region 310, a right side region 312 or a left
side region 314, and/or any combination of these. In some variation
the scaffolds may be pre-threaded with one or more sutures through
the suture openings, and provided the user (e.g. doctor) for
implantation.
[0083] Any of the scaffolds described herein may include rounded or
beveled edges. For example, a scaffold may include edges (outer
edges of the body) that are rounded, e.g., having a radius of
curvature of between about 0.1 mm and 2 mm (e.g., between about 0.2
and 2 mm, between about 0.3 and 2 mm, between about 0.1 and 1.5 mm,
between 0.1 about 1 mm). For example, FIG. 4A shows one example of
a scaffold having rounded edges. FIG. 4B is an example of a
scaffold having tapered edges. In FIG. 4A, the rounded edges 406
extend around the perimeter of the scaffold, on both the
demineralized 101 and mineralized 103 layers of the scaffold, which
may prevent trauma to the tissue into which the scaffold is
inserted. In some variations just the demineralized (e.g.,
outward-facing) portion of the scaffold includes rounded and/or
tapered edges. FIG. 4B shows a variation of a scaffold 400
including tapered edges 416.
[0084] In some variations the scaffold may be formed of a single
portion of a bone that is treated to form the demineralized and
mineralized layers in an arrangement as described herein. In some
variations the scaffold layers may be separately formed and
combined either before or during insertion into the patient's body.
For example, in some variations the demineralized layer may be
formed as a single layer that is mated with the mineralized layer.
The demineralized layer may be attached (affixed) to the
mineralized layer. For example the mineralized and demineralized
layers may be chemically, mechanically, thermally or otherwise
bonded together. For example in some variations a chemical adhesive
may be used to bond the demineralized and mineralized layers
together. In some variations the mineralized and demineralized
layers may be shaped to interlock of engage in a predefined manner.
For example the demineralized layer may include a projection into
which the mineralized layer inserts, or vice versa (or both).
[0085] FIG. 5A illustrates one example of a scaffold formed of
initially separate demineralized 501 and mineralized 503 layers. In
FIG. 5B, the initially separate layers may be coupled together by a
suture 511 or sutures 511', that may pass through pre-formed suture
openings or passages 512. Thus, the suture may be used to affix the
two (or more) layers together during a procedure to insert/apply
them. The different layers may be formed of different regions of
bone and/or different regions of the same or different bone types
(e.g., cancellous and cortical, etc.).
[0086] Also described herein are scaffolds that are cancellous and
cortical bone scaffolds.
[0087] For example, a section of bone comprising both cancellous
and cortical bone regions may be used as a starting material that
may be treated to demineralize the bone. The demineralization rate
and required conditions for demineralization of cancellous and
cortical bone are different. At multiple points in the body (i.e.
the head of long bones) there is are cortical cancellous
interfaces. Such interfaces may be used to form cortical and
cancellous scaffolds from a single allograft material (e.g.,
without requiring a lamination step, such as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B)
or other attachment of two disparate bone types. The pore structure
of cancellous bone material may allow for better penetration of the
demineralization solution and an overall higher surface area to
volume ratio enabling the demineralization of this portion of the
bone more effectively. This change in porosity and resistance to
demineralization could be used in allograft material to form a
scaffold with a mineralized side and a demineralized side. For
example, the whole bone may be placed in a demineralization
solution for an amount of time sufficient to render the cancellous
side to the appropriate level of demineralization (e.g., <8%
Calcium, <7% Calcium, <6% Calcium, <5% Calcium, <4%
calcium, <3% calcium, <2% calcium, etc.). The bone scaffold
may then be placed with the cancellous side in demineralization
solution and the cortical side above the level of solution. The
reduced porosity of the cortical bone may prevent the
demineralization solution from wicking through the bone as it does
in cancellous bone. Either before or after the demineralization,
the bone material may be trimmed or cute to the appropriate
dimensions as described herein.
[0088] The resulting implant may therefore be a scaffold having a
first layer that is formed of a demineralized cortical bone that is
immediately adjacent (and in some variations contiguous with, e.g.,
formed of a unitary structure) a mineralized cortical layer of
bone.
[0089] Any of the implants described herein may be hydrated or
non-hydrated, for storage prior to use. Before implantation into
the body, they maybe hydrated, e.g., by soaking or adding a fluid,
e.g., water, saline, buffer, protein solution (such as
platelet-rich plasma, PRP), etc.
[0090] Thus, any of the scaffolds described herein may include a
trapezoidal (e.g., rectanguloid) body that may be, e.g., wider on a
superior side, narrower on an inferior side. Alternatively, in some
variations the scaffold may be oval shaped (or may have an oval
cross-section, e.g., having rounded edges). The scaffold may be
formed of any appropriate source of bone (e.g., cancellous,
cortical, both cancellous and cortical, etc.) from any appropriate
region (e.g., pelvis, etc.). The density of the bone may be
different between the mineralized and demineralized regions/layers;
thus the size and/or number of trabeculae/porosity may be different
between the mineralized and demineralized bone layers.
[0091] In some variations all or some of the surfaces of the
mineralized and/or demineralized layers may be grooved or textured.
For example, just the inferior side may be grooved or just the
superior surface of both mineralized and demineralized or just
mineralized or just demineralized layers. Other textures may be
used, including grids, parallel channels, etc.
[0092] As mentioned above, any appropriate method of making the
scaffold may be used, including creating separate mineralized and
demineralized layers using wicking (e.g., pressure-limited or
driven wicking) to predetermined and precisely controlled
thicknesses. One or more masking agents may be used, including
masking agents having selected viscosities or densities, and/or
controlling temperature (decrease temperature or increase
temperature) of the masking agent and/or demineralizing solution to
control the depth of demineralization compared to the remaining
mineralized layer.
[0093] The scaffolds described herein may be sterilized and may be
configured for sterilization. For example, these scaffolds may be
sterilized by gamma sterilization, e-beam sterilization,
supercritical carbon dioxide sterilization, etc.
[0094] In use, these scaffolds may be implanted into a patient in
need thereof in any appropriate technique. In particular, these
scaffolds may be implanted via an arthroscopic procedure, a
mini-open procedure, etc. As mentioned, the scaffold may be
configured for insertion to the body via a cannula, and may be
affixed via a suture. In some variations the scaffold may be used
to repair tendon tears on the articular surface; in some variations
the scaffold may be used to repair tendon tears on the bursal
surface.
[0095] Any appropriate tissue may be repaired, including, but not
limited to rotator cuff tissue. For example, FIG. 6 illustrate one
method of using a scaffold as described herein to repair a rotator
cuff. In FIG. 6(1), the tissue to be repaired may be prepared,
e.g., by removing unwanted tissue and/or debriding. In FIG. 6(2),
the boney region to which the scaffold will be anchored is
prepared, by applying one or more anchors (e.g., medial anchors)
including sutures ("threads"). A bone shaver may be used to cut
away the region into which the scaffold will be applied, as shown
in FIG. 6(3). The mineralized side may be placed down onto the
exposed inner bone region, so that the marrow may be driven, e.g.,
by pressure, into the trabecula of the mineralized bone helping to
vascularize the scaffold to the native bone tissue. In FIG. 6(4),
the scaffold (which may be preloaded on the sutures, e.g., via one
or more suture channels, as described above, may be slid down
through a cannula (not shown) and into the bone. In FIG. 6(5), the
scaffold is applied onto the prepared bone and may be anchored, via
the suture, in place, as shown in FIG. 6(6). In FIG. 6(7), the
tendon to be repaired may be sutured with the same sutures used to
anchor the scaffold (or coupled to the scaffold anchors) and may be
pulled down onto the scaffold outer surface (e.g., the
demineralized layer of the scaffold). FIG. 6(8) shows the tendon
fully covering the scaffold, and in FIG. 6(9) and FIG. 6(10) the
sutures may be used to anchor and secure the tendon to the
scaffold. In some variations additional material may be used to
secure the tendon to the scaffold. In some variations, no
additional securement or augmentation is not necessary.
Stiffness
[0096] As mentioned above the implants (e.g., grafts) described
herein may be configured to be sufficiently flexible so that they
may be inserted through a cannula without requiring a specific
hinge region. For example, any of the bone scaffold grafts
described herein may be configured so that they may be bent (e.g.,
folded, curled, etc.) without breaking or cracking. This may be
achieved, at least in part, by controlling the overall thickness of
the mineralized portion, and/or the relative thickness of the
mineralized vs. the demineralize layers. For example, the bone
scaffold grafts described herein may have an overall graft
thickness that is limited to between 4.5-6.5 mm thick or less
(e.g., 6.5 mm or less, 6.0 mm or less, 5.5 mm or less, 5.4 mm or
less, 5.3 mm or less, 5.2 mm or less, 5.1 mm or less, 5.0 mm or
less, 4.9 mm or less, 4.8 m or less, 4.7 mm or less, 4.6 mm or
less, 4.5 mm or less, etc.) in which the maxim thickness of the
mineralized portion is about 1.5 mm or less (e.g., 1.4 mm or less,
1.3 mm or less, 1.2 mm or less, 1.15 mm or less, 1.1 mm or less,
1.05 mm or less, 1.0 mm or less, 0.95 mm or less, 0.9 mm or less,
0.8 mm or less, etc. between about 100 .mu.m and 1.25 mm, between
about 100 .mu.m and 1.1 mm, between about 150 .mu.m and 1.1 mm,
between about 150 .mu.m and 1.0 mm, etc.).
[0097] Surprisingly, for bone scaffold grafts as described herein,
in which the graft is formed of adjacent mineralized/demineralized
layers in which the mineralized layers is about 1.5 mm or less,
typically where the thickness of the bone scaffold grafts is
between about 4.5 and 6.5 mm thick, the bone scaffold grafts is
sufficiently flexible that, when hydrated, it may be easily bent
without breaking. For example, the stiffness of bending a
sheet-like bone scaffold graft (e.g., a graft formed into a planar
sheet in which one side is the mineralized layer and the other is
the demineralized layer) may have a stiffness, when measured as
mean bending stiffness, that may be less than about 1 millinewtons
meters (mNm) (e.g., less than about 1.2 mNm, less than about 1.1
mNm, less than about 0.9 mNm, less than about 0.85 mNm, less than
about 0.8 mNm, less than about 0.75 mNm, less than about 0.7 mNm,
less than about 0.65 mNm, less than about 0.5 mNm, less than about
0.25 mNm, less than about 0.1 mNm, etc.). Bone scaffold grafts
having a thickness of the mineralized layer that is greater than
1.5 mm typically have a mean bending stiffness that is greater than
this, and may be difficult to bend without cracking, breaking or
otherwise damaging the bone scaffold graft.
[0098] Thus, described herein are bone scaffold grafts that have a
maximum thickness that is about 1.5 mm or less (e.g., 1.4 mm or
less, 1.3 mm or less, 1.2 mm or less, 1.15 mm or less, 1.1 mm or
less, 1.05 mm or less, 1.0 mm or less, etc.). As mentioned, the
overall thickness of the graft may be, e.g., between about 4.5 and
6.5 mm or less, with the majority of the thickness of the graft
being formed of demineralized bone material. For example, the
demineralized layer may be greater than 65% of the thickness of the
bone scaffold graft (e.g., greater than 67%, greater than 70%,
greater than 75%, greater than 80%, greater than 85%, etc.). These
highly flexible bone scaffold graft implants described herein
having greater than 60% or more of the thickness being
demineralized bone (and having a maximum mineralized layer
thickness of 1.5 mm or less, e.g., 1.4 mm or less, etc.) may also
be easier to cut, without cracking or damaging the graft, than
implants having higher thicknesses of the mineralized layer.
Cutting to size may be important for implanting the graft material
into the patient, as this may allow customization of the
insertion/implantation site.
[0099] In addition to the enhanced flexibility, e.g., low mean
bending stiffness of less than about 1 mNm, which may allow the
bone scaffold grafts described herein (e.g., having a maximum
thickness of the mineralized layer of about 1.5 mm of less) to be
easily bent and cut to shape/size, any of the bone scaffold grafts
described herein may also be optimized for conformability, allowing
the graft material to conform to a potentially irregular surface,
such as the prepared bone surface onto which the implant is to be
applied. The prepared surface may be flat or uneven (e.g., not
flat). Outcomes are expected to be far better if the bone scaffold
graft sits flush against the bone onto which it is being grafted,
even when the bone surface is curved or irregular. Traditional,
more rigid or stiffer bone scaffold grafts are not capable of being
applied flush against such uneven surfaces. Typically, the bone
scaffold grafts described herein may be highly conformable.
[0100] This conformability may be a function of both the high
flexibility described above, as well as a relatively high
compressibility of the bone scaffold grafts described herein. For
example, the bone scaffold grafts described herein, formed as
adjacent sheets of mineralized/demineralized material, may be
relatively highly compressible as a function of the thickness of
the demineralized portion and/or the porosity of the graft
material, particularly the porosity of the demineralized layer. The
hydrated graft, ready for implantation, may be both highly
conformable, as described above, and highly compressible,
particularly where greater than 60% (e.g., greater than 65%,
greater than 70%, greater than 75%, greater than 80%, greater than
85%, etc.) of the thickness of the graft is demineralized. In some
variations a graft having greater than 66% (e.g., greater than 67%,
greater than 70%, greater than 75%, greater than 80%, greater than
85%, etc.) of the thickness being formed of demineralized bone
material, with an uncompressed thickness of between about 6.5 and
4.5 mm, may be compressed to a thickness of about 2 mm or less,
when a force normal to the layer(s) is applied.
[0101] As mentioned above, the porosity of the bone scaffold grafts
may be selected so that these grafts have a compressibility and/or
flexibility (e.g., stiffness) as described. For example, the
material used to form the bone scaffold grafts described herein may
be selected to have a porosity so that the density of the material
(where density may be a proxy for the porosity) is less than about
3.0e-4 g/mm.sup.3 (e.g., about 2.9e-4 g/mm.sup.3 or less, about
2.8e-4 g/mm.sup.3 or less, about 2.7e-4 g/mm.sup.3 or less, about
2.6e-4 g/mm.sup.3 or less, about 2.5e-4 g/mm.sup.3 or less, 2.4e-4
g/mm.sup.3 or less, 2.3-4 g/mm.sup.3 or less, 2.2e-4 g/mm.sup.3 or
less, 2.1e-4 g/mm.sup.3 or less, 2.0e-4 g/mm.sup.3 or less, 1.9e-4
g/mm.sup.3 or less, etc.). In particular, the density may be 2.5e-4
g/mm.sup.3 or less (e.g., 0.00025 g/mm.sup.3 or less). This density
may be maintained by the mineralized region and approximately by
the demineralized region, following formation. This range of
porosity may also be important, in combination with the thickness
of the mineralized region described above, for achieving the highly
flexible grafts (e.g., low mean bending stiffness) grafts described
herein. In some variations the porosity may also be substantially
homogeneous.
[0102] Also described herein are bone scaffold grafts having a
higher stiffness than those described herein, but in which the
dimensions are narrower/smaller (e.g., having length and/or width
dimensions that are 10 mm or less (e.g., 8 mm or less, 7 mm or
less, 6 mm or less, 5 mm or less, etc.). Smaller bone scaffold
grafts (e.g., having at least two dimensions (e.g., width and
thickness) that are less than x mm (e.g., where x is 10 mm, 9 mm, 8
mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, etc.) may be stiffer than those
described herein. However, in some variations, smaller bone
scaffold grafts may have the mean bending stiffness,
compressibility and porosity as described above (e.g., a mean
bending stiffness of 1 mNm or less, a density of less than 2.6e-4
g/mm.sup.3, etc.)
[0103] In general, the bone scaffold grafts described herein may be
provided in any length and width, and may be cut down for
implantation by the physician. For example, the bone scaffold
grafts may have dimensions (length.times.width) of between 50-10 mm
by 80-20 mm, e.g., 25 mm.times.50 mm.
[0104] The thickness of the mineralized layer of bone scaffold
graft may vary by less than +/-10% (e.g., less than +/-9%, less
than +/-8%, less than +/-7%, less than +/-6%, less than +/-5%, less
than +/-4%, less than +/-3%, less than +/-2%, less than +/-1%,
etc.). This high level of uniformity in the thickness of the
mineralized (and conversely the demineralized) layer(s) may provide
uniformity in the key properties, such as stiffness,
compressibility and compliance, discussed above, which may not
otherwise be possible.
[0105] The bone scaffold grafts described herein may also or
additionally advantageously be free of blood proteins. As described
above, grafts may be provided dehydrated and may be rehydrated
prior to use. The grafts may be rehydrated prior to cutting down to
size before implantation.
[0106] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate examples of grafts as described
herein. Each graft shown is approximately 25 mm by 15 mm and is
formed from cancellous bone. In FIG. 7A the demineralized side 701
of the graft is shown. FIG. 7B shows a mineralized side 703 of the
graft. FIG. 7C shows a side view of a graft such as the one shown
in FIG. 7A, showing the mineralized layer 703 immediately adjacent
to the demineralized layer 701. As described above, the mineralized
layer is less than about 1 mm in this example. In FIG. 7C the
thickness of the graft is approximately 4.5, and the thickness of
the calcified region is approximately 1.5 mm. This graft is
flexible and compressible, as described herein (not shown).
[0107] FIG. 7D illustrates the flexibility of the graft shown in
FIG. 7C. IN this example the graft has been folded over itself
completely, as shown. The graft, including in particular the
mineralized layer, does not crack or become damaged despite bending
relatively easily, and will return to its original flat shape
following release of the bending force. Similarly, the same graft
is also compressible and conforms to the surfaces applying the
compression, as shown in FIGS. 7E and 7F. In this example the graft
is shown held between two fingers (FIG. 7E) and is further shown
compressed between these two fingers in FIG. 7F.
[0108] Any of the methods (including user interfaces) described
herein may be implemented as software, hardware or firmware, and
may be described as a non-transitory computer-readable storage
medium storing a set of instructions capable of being executed by a
processor (e.g., computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.), that when
executed by the processor causes the processor to control perform
any of the steps, including but not limited to: displaying,
communicating with the user, analyzing, modifying parameters
(including timing, frequency, intensity, etc.), determining,
alerting, or the like.
[0109] When a feature or element is herein referred to as being
"on" another feature or element, it can be directly on the other
feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also
be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to
as being "directly on" another feature or element, there are no
intervening features or elements present. It will also be
understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being
"connected", "attached" or "coupled" to another feature or element,
it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other
feature or element or intervening features or elements may be
present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as
being "directly connected", "directly attached" or "directly
coupled" to another feature or element, there are no intervening
features or elements present. Although described or shown with
respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described
or shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be
appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a
structure or feature that is disposed "adjacent" another feature
may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent
feature.
[0110] Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. For example, as used herein, the singular forms "a",
"an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well,
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further
understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when
used in this specification, specify the presence of stated
features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do
not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all
combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and may
be abbreviated as "/".
[0111] Spatially relative terms, such as "under", "below", "lower",
"over", "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease of
description to describe one element or feature's relationship to
another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It
will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended
to encompass different orientations of the device in use or
operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements
described as "under" or "beneath" other elements or features would
then be oriented "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the
exemplary term "under" can encompass both an orientation of over
and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees
or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors
used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms
"upwardly", "downwardly", "vertical", "horizontal" and the like are
used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically
indicated otherwise.
[0112] Although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein
to describe various features/elements (including steps), these
features/elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the
context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish
one feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first
feature/element discussed below could be termed a second
feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed
below could be termed a first feature/element without departing
from the teachings of the present invention.
[0113] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow,
unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and
variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" means various
components can be co-jointly employed in the methods and articles
(e.g., compositions and apparatuses including device and methods).
For example, the term "comprising" will be understood to imply the
inclusion of any stated elements or steps but not the exclusion of
any other elements or steps.
[0114] In general, any of the apparatuses and methods described
herein should be understood to be inclusive, but all or a sub-set
of the components and/or steps may alternatively be exclusive, and
may be expressed as "consisting of" or alternatively "consisting
essentially of" the various components, steps, sub-components or
sub-steps.
[0115] As used herein in the specification and claims, including as
used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all
numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word "about" or
"approximately," even if the term does not expressly appear. The
phrase "about" or "approximately" may be used when describing
magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or
position described is within a reasonable expected range of values
and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value
that is +/-0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/-1% of
the stated value (or range of values), +/-2% of the stated value
(or range of values), +/-5% of the stated value (or range of
values), +/-10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any
numerical values given herein should also be understood to include
about or approximately that value, unless the context indicates
otherwise. For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, then "about
10" is also disclosed. Any numerical range recited herein is
intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. It is also
understood that when a value is disclosed that "less than or equal
to" the value, "greater than or equal to the value" and possible
ranges between values are also disclosed, as appropriately
understood by the skilled artisan. For example, if the value "X" is
disclosed the "less than or equal to X" as well as "greater than or
equal to X" (e.g., where X is a numerical value) is also disclosed.
It is also understood that the throughout the application, data is
provided in a number of different formats, and that this data,
represents endpoints and starting points, and ranges for any
combination of the data points. For example, if a particular data
point "10" and a particular data point "15" are disclosed, it is
understood that greater than, greater than or equal to, less than,
less than or equal to, and equal to 10 and 15 are considered
disclosed as well as between 10 and 15. It is also understood that
each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For
example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are
also disclosed.
[0116] Although various illustrative embodiments are described
above, any of a number of changes may be made to various
embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as
described by the claims. For example, the order in which various
described method steps are performed may often be changed in
alternative embodiments, and in other alternative embodiments one
or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optional features
of various device and system embodiments may be included in some
embodiments and not in others. Therefore, the foregoing description
is provided primarily for exemplary purposes and should not be
interpreted to limit the scope of the invention as it is set forth
in the claims.
[0117] The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way
of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in
which the subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other
embodiments may be utilized and derived there from, such that
structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made
without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such
embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to
herein individually or collectively by the term "invention" merely
for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the
scope of this application to any single invention or inventive
concept, if more than one is, in fact, disclosed. Thus, although
specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein,
any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be
substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is
intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various
embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other
embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to
those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.
* * * * *