| abstract |
A moldable bone-implant material containing between about 40%-58% hard filler particles and of between 15%-60% of a biocompatible, biodegradable inorganic, binder. The binder comprises calcium sulfate hemihydrate. A preferred hard filler is hydroxyapatite. In use, the material is applied under conditions which allow molding and the bone site is filled with the modable material, which then forms a contour-fitting, semi-rigid implant. The implant retains its contour fit and acquires a rigid final state as the binder in the implant is gradually biodegraded and replaced through tissue ingrowth from the surrounding bone site. |