| abstract |
This invention relates to an implant for treating pathological changes in the spinal column and/or locomotor system. According to one embodiment of the invention, the implant has a surface, a body, and an enamel-like or varnish-like coating that is up to 100 μm thick, comprises a biodegradable polymer such as polylactide which has a mean molecular weight of 100 kDa or less, forms an adhesive bond to the surface of the body such that when the implant is implanted, mechanical friction will not abrade or damage the coating, and is adapted to contact bone when implanted. This coating has an osteoinductive effect, which promotes the healing of fractures. Additional osteoinductive materials such as growth factors may be incorporated in the coating. The invention also relates to a method for producing such an implant using the following steps: preparing a dispersion of a biodegradable polymer in an organic solvent; applying the dispersion on the surface to be coated; and allowing the organic solvent to evaporate. |