| abstract |
Disclosed are methods and compositions useful in the treatment, augmentation and/or repair of soft and/or hard tissues of animals, and in particular, vertebrates such as humans. The invention provides hydrogel compositions for use in the preparation of medicaments for wound healing, cartilage and meniscus repair, dermal augmentation, and bone fusion, as well as methods for the treatment of intervertebral disc impairment. In particular embodiments, the invention provides compositions useful in restoring hydrodynamic function, increasing intervertebral disc height, and improving proliferation and survival of chondrocytes and other cells in intervertebral discs that have been compromised by injury, degenerative disease, congenital abnormalities, and/or the aging process. |