Patent attributes
A bone implant comprising cancellous bone that is essentially free of blood cells, and which has been treated with at least one loosening agent, such as collagenase or a digestive enzyme, for a time and at a concentration to loosen the osteogenic cells in the cancellous bone matrix. The osteogenic cells in the matrix are viable cells. The treatment of the cancellous bone with at least one loosening agent enables the osteogenic cells to be more available for carrying out their osteogenic function and to provide for an increased rate of bone formation. Such implant also may include demineralized bone, such as demineralized cortical bone, which enhances the bone regenerative capacity of the cancellous bone.