Solid forms for tissue repair

Abstract

This invention provides coral-based scaffolds for cartilage repair, and instruments for insertion and utilization of same within a site of cartilage repair.

1 - 76 . (canceled) 
     
     
         77 . A scaffold for tissue repair, the scaffold consisting essentially of two portions wherein: a first portion of the two portions comprises solid coral containing pores and further comprises a series of hollows along the longitudinal axis of the scaffold in the first portion, and a second portion of the two portions comprises a solid coral containing pores,
 wherein the longitudinal axis of the scaffold has a length of 2-200 mm, and wherein the scaffold has an average pore size of 1μm-1 mm.   
     
     
         78 . A scaffold for tissue repair, the scaffold consisting essentially of two portions wherein: a first portion of the two portions comprises solid coral containing pores and further comprises a series of hollows along the longitudinal axis of the scaffold in the first portion, and a second portion of the two portions comprises a solid coral containing pores,
 wherein the longitudinal axis of the scaffold has a length of about 1-18 mm, and wherein the scaffold has an average pore size of 1μm-1 mm.   
     
     
         79 . The scaffold of  claim 78 , wherein the scaffold has a length of 6-12 mm. 
     
     
         80 . The scaffold of  claim 78 , wherein the scaffold has a length of 10-15 mm. 
     
     
         81 . The scaffold of  claim 78 , wherein the scaffold is cylindrical and has a diameter of 3.5 mm, and a length of 6 mm. 
     
     
         82 . The scaffold of  claim 78 , wherein the scaffold has an average pore size of 30-180 μm 
     
     
         83 . The scaffold of  claim 78 , wherein the scaffold has an average pore size of 50-500 μm. 
     
     
         84 . The scaffold of  claim 78 , wherein the scaffold has an average pore size of 150 μm-220 μm. 
     
     
         85 . The scaffold of  claim 78 , wherein the scaffold has an average pore size of 250-1000 μm. 
     
     
         86 . The scaffold of  claim 78 , wherein the scaffold is seeded with a cell population and wherein the cell population comprises mesenchymal stem cells or osteoblasts or chondrocytes or other cells involved in cartilage repair or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         87 . A method of inducing or enhancing repair, regeneration or enhancement of formation of cartilage, bone or a combination thereof, of a cartilage defect, the method comprising implanting in a subject, a scaffold of  claim 78  within a site in need of repair, regeneration or enhancement of formation of cartilage, bone or a combination thereof in the subject. 
     
     
         88 . The method of  claim 86 , wherein the cartilage defect or disorder comprises a full or partial thickness articular cartilage defect; osteochondral defect; osteoarthritis; osteochondritis dissecans; a joint defect; or a defect resulting from trauma, sports, or repetitive stress. 
     
     
         89 . The method of  claim 86 , wherein the scaffold is positioned such that the at least a second porous portion is implanted within or proximally to cartilage tissue and the at least a first porous portion is implanted within or proximally to bone tissue. 
     
     
         90 . A kit for repair of cartilage or bone comprising the scaffold of  claim 77 , and directions for utilizing the scaffold in tissue repair. 
     
     
         91 . The kit of  claim 90 , which further comprises a tool or tools for optimal insertion of the scaffold. 
     
     
         92 . The kit of  claim 90 , which further comprises a series of scaffolds of different sizes or shapes. 
     
     
         93 . The kit of  claim 90 , which further comprises a tool or tools for optimal insertion of said scaffold, and a series of scaffolds of different sizes or shapes.