| abstract |
An improved bone graft is provided for human implantation, bone graft includes a substrate block of high strength biocompatible material having a selected size and shape to fit the anatomical space, and a controlled porosity analogous to natural bone. The substrate block may be coated with a bio-active surface coating material such as hydroxyapatite or a calcium phosphate to promote bone ingrowth and enhanced bone fusion. Upon implantation, the bone graft provides a spacer element having a desired combination of mechanical strength together with osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity to promote bone ingrowth and fusion, as well as radiolucency for facilitated post-operative monitoring. The bone graft may additionally carry one or more natural or synthetic therapeutic agents for further promoting bone ingrowth and fusion. |