The present invention relates in general to implantable compositions, and
method for preparing same, containing a calcium salt-containing
component, optionally demineralized bone, a plurality of discrete fibers,
optionally a flow additive, and optionally continuous reinforcing fibers
or an array of organized fibers in the form of mesh. Advantageously, the
discrete fibers have a specific aspect ratio (length/diameter) from about
50:1 to about 1000:1. The addition of a small amount of discrete fibers
and/or the continuous reinforcing fibers or fiber mesh can cause drastic
increases in certain mechanical properties including flexural strength,
flexural toughness, and/or screw pullout strength.