K E Y   T E R M S

For information contact:
Joni Morford, Communicore
714/721-8081
jmorford@communicore.com


* allograft bone - processed cadaver bone tissue derived from a human donor for 
use in grafting procedures in another human

* autograft bone - bone taken from one part of a patient's body and transferred to 
another part of the patient's body; bone tissue used in a grafting procedure 
harvested generally from the hip

* callus - the osseous material woven between the ends of a fractured bone that is 
ultimately replaced by true bone in the healing process

* cancellous bone - the spongy structure of some bone; such as the ends of long 
bones

* collagen - a strong, fibrous insoluble protein found in connective tissue, including 
the dermis, tendons, ligaments, bone, and cartilage

* cortical bone - dense bone structure composing the outer membrane of bone

* hyaluronic acid - a highly biocompatible, elastic biopolymer found in connective 
tissues; acts as a binding and protective agent for bone tissue

* hydroxyapatite - the apatite form of calcium phosphate present with calcium 
carbonate in the bones and skeleton; the primary mineral compound of bone

* matrix - the basic substance from which bone or cartilage is made or develops

* orthobiologics - a field in orthopedics encompassing tissue biology, material 
sciences and growth factor technology

* osteoblast - a bone-forming cell

* osteoclast - a cell which aids in absorbing and removing excess bone tissue as in the 
remodeling of growing bones or damaged bone in the repair of fractures

* osteoconductive - the act of providing a scaffold or matrix for bone tissue growth; 
a material is osteoconductive if it provides a surface or structure that allows bone 
tissue to grow into it

* osteoinductive - the endogenous (derived from the body) or exogenous 
(originating outside of the body) stimulation of bone growth activity; a material is 
osteoinductive when it induces bone to grow

* spinal fusion - surgical immobilization of adjacent vertebrae; this procedure may 
be performed for several conditions, including herniated disk; often involves 
removing the intervertebral disc or discs and then packing bone graft material 
between the vertebrae to promote bone growth or fusion

* vertebrae - one of the bones comprising the backbone or spinal column; vertebrae 
are bound together by ligaments and intervertebral discs (cartilage)


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