Importance

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Abstract

A bioerodible polymeric material, and in particular a semi-interpenetrating network ('semi-IPN') alloy, is disclosed. A beneficial end use of this material is in the form of internal fixation devices (IFDs) (such as bone supports, plates, and pins) and as cured bone cements for bone repair. A multi-part bioerodible cement system, which, upon mixing of the system parts, forms a cured bioerodible cement, includes, in one part, a first bioerodible polymer (e.g., PLGA) capable of producing acidic products upon hydrolytic degradation, and, in another part, a second bioerodible scaffolding polymer (e.g., PPF) which upon crosslinking provides a biopolymeric scaffolding or internal reinforcement for the cured cement. In another aspect, a bone cement system of the invention includes a bioerodible scaffolding polymer (such as PPF), which when polymerized provides a hardened bone cement, the cement system further including a gas generating agent in stabilized form for providing the cured bone cement with pores for facilitating inward cell migration.

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First Claim