| abstract |
The present invention provides polymers which can be used as tissue supplements or lubricants in vivo. The inventive polymers can be used as tissue-interpenetrating hydrogel supplements, viscosupplements, tribosupplements, viscoelastics, tissue space fillers, and/or anti-adhesive agents. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inventive polymers and methods of using them including, for example, in the treatment of arthritic and injured synovial joints; in reconstruction or cosmetic procedures, intervertebral disc repair, treatment of vocal cord problems, treatment of urinary incontinence, and prevention of adhesion formation following abdominal or gynecological surgery or malfunction of naturally lubricious mucosal tissue. |