| abstract |
Described herein is a novel drug delivery assembly having particular applicability to the field of orthopedic and surgical medicine. The devices and assemblies described herein enable the efficient application and retention of potentially expensive therapeutic materials to very specific locations, particularly those associated with voids in bone and tissue. One particularly unique aspect of the present invention involves the introduction of constructs which promote the retention of therapeutic material in the target area of application for beneficial use, for example by forming a proximal barrier that prevents leakage of the therapeutic material out of the target area. Additionally, the present invention provides unique devices and methods for surgical introduction of such constructs. The present invention finds particular application in connection with introduction of stem and progenitor cells, bioactive molecules and bone scaffold materials in conjunction with bone voids and with the use of cannulated implants, such as bone screws (also surgical screws) and pins. The present invention also has beneficial use in the delivery of cancer drugs, antimicrobials, bone cements and other therapeutic materials. |