| abstract |
A sterile, surgically implantable prosthetic device for replacement of fibrous connective tissue is disclosed. The invention includes a series of nonabsorbable longitudinal threads that accept longitudinal stresses, and a series of closely spaced, nonabsorbable lateral fibers that spread stresses experienced by various ones of the longitudinal threads to adjacent longitudinal threads. These components in combination substantially enhance durability, and allow the present invention to accommodate multicentered axes of rotation. The invention also preferably includes a bioabsorbable sheet disposed on one side of the nonabsorbable-fiber sheet. This sheet encourages tissue ingrowth and vascularization, and also establishes a barrier around the nonabsorbable components that protects surrounding tissue structures from abrasion and guards the nonabsorbable components against biological degradation. |