This invention relates to an implant for treating pathological changes in the
spinal column and/or locomotor system. According to one embodiment of the invention,
the implant may be provided with an enamel-like or varnish-like coating up to 100
m thick and made of a biodegradable polymer such as polylactide. This coating
has an osteoinductive effect, which promotes the healing of fractures. Additional
osteoinductive materials such as growth factors may be incorporated in the coating.
The invention also relates to a method for producing such an implant using the
following steps: preparing a dispersion of biodegradable polymers in an organic
solvent; applying the dispersion on the surface to be coated; and allowing the
solvent to evaporate.