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 shaped platform for repair of cartilage or an osteochondral defect comprising at least a first portion of an exposed surface, which first portion is raised with respect to at least a second portion of said exposed surface in said shaped platform, wherein said at least a first portion of said shaped platform is proximal to a hollow or hollows along a longitudinal axis of said first portion and wherein said at least a second portion abuts said hollow or hollows and wherein said first portion comprises at least a region, which specifically positions and confines said shaped platform within a site of cartilage repair. 
     
     
         78 . The shaped platform of  claim 77 , wherein said shaped platform further comprises a polymer coating. 
     
     
         79 . The shaped platform of  claim 78 , wherein said polymer coating is permeable. 
     
     
         80 . The shaped platform of  claim 78 , wherein said polymer coating is discontinuous and optionally in the form of aggregates or particles. 
     
     
         81 . The shaped platform of  claim 78 , wherein said polymer comprises a natural polymer comprising collagen, elastin, silk, hyaluronic acid, chitosan, or any combinations thereof. 
     
     
         82 . The shaped platform of  claim 81 , wherein said collagen or hyaluronic acid is cross-linked. 
     
     
         83 . The shaped platform of  claim 77 , wherein said shaped platform further comprises a cytokine, a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), a chelator, a cell population, a therapeutic compound, an antibiotic, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         84 . The shaped platform of  claim 83 , wherein said shaped platform further comprises allogeneic cells. 
     
     
         85 . The shaped platform of  claim 83 , wherein said therapeutic compound comprises an anti-inflammatory compound, an antibacterial compound, an antiviral compound, an antifungal compound, an antiparasitic compound, a growth factor, a pro-angiogenic factor or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         86 . The shaped platform of  claim 77 , wherein the shaped platform approximates a cone, a tack, a screw, a cylinder, a rectangular bar, a plate, a disc, a pyramid, a granule, a ball or a cube in shape. 
     
     
         87 . The shaped platform of  claim 77 , wherein at least a portion of said shaped platform penetrates through a bone, resulting in said portion inserting within a bone marrow proximal to a site of cartilage or osteochondral repair. 
     
     
         88 . A method of inducing or enhancing cartilage repair, said method comprising implanting in a subject, a shaped platform of  claim 77  within a site of cartilage repair in said subject, wherein a region of said shaped platform penetrates through a bone, resulting in said region inserting within a bone marrow, proximal to said site of cartilage repair in said subject. 
     
     
         89 . The method of  claim 88 , wherein said subject is afflicted with a cartilage defect or disorder wherein said cartilage defect or disorder comprises a full or partial thickness articular cartilage defect, osteoarthritis, osteochondritis, avascular necrosis, or a joint defect resulting from trauma, sports, a disease of the cartilage or the subchondral bone, or repetitive stress. 
     
     
         90 . A method of treating an osteochondral defect in a subject, said method comprising implanting in a subject, a shaped platform of  claim 77  within a site of osteochondral defect in said subject, wherein a region of said shaped platform penetrates through a bone, resulting in said region inserting within a bone marrow, proximal to said site of osteochondral defect in said subject.