Method of using an implant for treatment of ligaments and tendons

Abstract

A method of treating a ligament or tendon according to the present invention can include inserting a tissue-generating implant into the ligament or tendon to thereby treat the defect. The tissue-generating implant has a plurality of microparticles. The microparticles subsequently form a biological scaffold which operates at least as partial connective tissue in the ligament or tendon giving structural support during regrowth.

1 . A method of treating a ligament or tendon comprising delivering an injectable composition comprising a plurality of inert histocompatible microparticles suspended in a solution containing collagen onto or into the ligament or tendon. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , additionally comprising identifying a defect in the ligament or tendon. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition forms a biological scaffold comprising at least a portion of the microparticles, and wherein the biological scaffold operates at least as partial connective tissue in the ligament or tendon. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is configured to be partially replaced with host tissue. 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises at least one of water, saline, a tenside, radiopaque dye, and a chromophobe. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the microparticles are substantially spherical with diameters in the range of about 15 to about 200 microns. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the microparticles comprise one or more of poly methacrylate, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a cured polymer, a fully polymerized polymer, and glass. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ligament or tendon comprises at least one of an anterior longitudinal ligament, a posterior longitudinal ligament, a supraspinous ligament, an intraspinous ligament, a capsular ligament, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and a rotator cuff. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein a location of the defect is at least one of a musculotendinous junction, a tendinous region, and an insertion of a tendon insertion. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising delivering the composition to an anastomosis site. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising performing tissue treatments on or within the ligament or tendon or adjacent tissue to facilitate tissue reactions. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein:
 identifying the defect comprises identifying a defect in a patient having congenital, idiopathic, or acquired scoliosis or kyphosis; and   delivering the composition comprises delivering the composition to the ligament or tendon in a region of the patient exhibiting abnormal curvature.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising retarding progression of the curvature or partially correcting the curvature. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises a chromophobe, the method further comprising activating the chromophobe with a laser to accelerate a reaction in or near the ligament or tendon. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises a radiopaque material, the method further comprising visualizing the composition by means of the radiopaque material. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the radiopaque material comprises barium. 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A medical kit comprising:
 an injectable composition comprising a plurality of inert histocompatible microparticles suspended in a solution containing collagen; and   one or more surgical tools configured for repairing at least one tendon or ligament.   
     
     
         22 . The medical kit of  claim 21 , further comprising a delivery device configured to deliver the composition. 
     
     
         23 .- 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . The kit of  claim 21 , wherein the microparticles are substantially spherical, and wherein the microparticles have a diameter of about 15 microns to about 200 microns. 
     
     
         31 . The kit of  claim 21 , wherein the composition comprises at least one of water, saline, a tenside, radiopaque dye, and a chromophobe. 
     
     
         32 . The kit of  claim 21 , wherein the microparticles comprise one or more of poly methacrylate, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a cured polymer, a fully polymerized polymer, and glass. 
     
     
         33 . The kit of  claim 21 , wherein the composition comprises a chromophobe for activation with a laser to accelerate a reaction in or near the ligament or tendon. 
     
     
         34 . The kit of  claim 21 , wherein the composition comprises a radiopaque material for visualizing the composition by means of the radiopaque material. 
     
     
         35 . The kit of  claim 34 , wherein the radiopaque material comprises barium.