Hydroxyapatite tissue filler and its preparation and use

Abstract

The invention pertains to a biocompatible composition, suitable for use in soft or hard tissue augmentation, wherein the composition is an aqueous suspension containing a carrier fraction of ceramic particles of less than 15 &mgr;m and an augmentation fraction of ceramic particles of at least 20 &mgr;m. The ceramics typically comprise calcium phosphate. The composition is a may be used in soft tissue repair as well as hard bone replacement. It advantageously avoids the need for foreign body materials which are conventionally applied to stabilize augmentation suspensions.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . A biocompatible composition, suitable for use in soft or hard tissue augmentation, wherein the composition is an aqueous suspension containing a carrier fraction of ceramic particles of less than 15 μm and an augmentation fraction of ceramic particles of at least 20 μm. 
   
   
       13 . The composition according to  claim 12 , wherein said ceramic particles comprise calcium phosphate. 
   
   
       14 . The composition according to  claim 12 , wherein said carrier particles are smaller than 10 μm. 
   
   
       15 . The composition according to  claim 14 , wherein said carrier particles are preferably 20-1000 nm. 
   
   
       16 . The composition according to  claim 12 , wherein more than 50% of the total volume of particles in said carrier fraction is in singular form. 
   
   
       17 . The composition according to  claim 12 , wherein said carrier fraction comprises hydroxyapatite (HA) and/or tricalcium phosphate (TCP). 
   
   
       18 . The composition according to  claim 12 , wherein the weight ratio of said augmentation fraction and said carrier fraction is 0.5:1 to 15:1. 
   
   
       19 . The composition according to  claim 12 , wherein the composition is suitable for soft tissue augmentation, said composition being injectable, comprising augmentation particles of 20-100 μm and having a surface porosity of less than 30%. 
   
   
       20 . The composition according to  claim 12 , wherein the composition is suitable for hard tissue augmentation, said composition comprising augmentation particles of 100 μm to 4 mm and having a surface porosity of more than 30%. 
   
   
       21 . A method of treatment comprising introducing to a mammal's body the composition according to  claim 12 . 
   
   
       22 . The method according to  claim 21 , for bone regeneration and/or treatment of skin contour deficiencies. 
   
   
       23 . The method according to  claim 22 , wherein said skin contour deficiencies are frown lines, worry lines, wrinkles, crow's feet, marionette liens, stretch marks, and/or the result of ageing, environmental exposure, weight loss, child bearing, injury, surgery, acne, cancer, lipodystrophy syndrome, or scars on or within the skin caused by accidents, wounds and injuries. 
   
   
       24 . The method according to  claim 21 , for use in plastic and reconstructive surgery. 
   
   
       25 . The medical treatment according to  claim 21 , involving soft tissue augmentation or hard tissue augmentation. 
   
   
       26 . A method of cosmetically improving the bodily appearance of a mammal, comprising introducing to the mammal's body the composition according to  claim 12 . 
   
   
       27 . The method according to  claim 26 , for filling soft tissue voids or creating soft tissue augmentation. 
   
   
       28 . The method according to  claim 26 , wherein said composition is introduced subcutaneously or intradermally. 
   
   
       29 . A sterilized aqueous suspension or gel containing 10-55 wt % of ceramic carrier particles smaller than 5 μm, preferably 20-1000 nm, wherein said carrier particles comprise calcium phosphate. 
   
   
       30 . The suspension or gel according to  claim 29 , wherein said carrier particles comprise hydroxyapatite (HA) and/or tricalcium phosphate (TCP). 
   
   
       31 . The suspension or gel according to  claim 29 , wherein more than 50%, most preferably more than 75% of the total volume of said carrier particles is in singular form. 
   
   
       32 . A method of treatment comprising introducing to a mammal's body the suspension or gel according to  claim 29 .