Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for performing a corpectomy or spinal disc replacement. Devices may include an inferior bearing that is implantable in an inferior vertebral body and a superior bearing that is implantable in a superior vertebral body. The bearings of some embodiments have a support member rotatably coupled between the bearings, and a fixation device may attach the vertebral bodies to the support member with a fastener.

Abstract: An artificial vertebral joint is interposed between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra. The artificial vertebral joint comprises a rostral joint component having a first surface adapted for engagement with an endplate of the superior vertebra, a first anterior articulation surface, and a support tab adapted for extending from the first surface and for engaging a portion of the endplate. The portion of the endplate extends from the first surface to a posterior edge of the endplate. The joint further comprises a caudal joint component having a second surface adapted for engagement with an endplate of the inferior vertebra and a spacer component adapted for interposition between the rostral joint component and the caudal joint component.

Abstract: A posterior arch prosthesis according to the present invention includes a main body, two transverse protuberances extending transversely from either side of the main body, articulating surfaces formed on each of the transverse protuberances, and a posterior protuberance extending posteriorly from the main body. The posterior protuberance is attached to a first vertebra from which the natural posterior arch has been removed such that the articulating surfaces are arranged in articulating contact with surfaces on an adjacent, second vertebra. The posterior protuberance includes an attachment to which native structure may be reattached upon attachment of the prosthesis to the first vertebra.

Abstract: An artificial spinal joint for creating at least a portion of a coupling between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra comprises a first joint half comprising a first intervertebral articulating assembly, a first rostral connection assembly, and a first caudal connection assembly. The joint further comprises a second joint half comprising a second intervertebral articulating assembly, a second rostral connection assembly, and a second caudal connection assembly. The joint further comprises a constraint component extending between the first rostral connection assembly and the first caudal connection assembly.

Abstract: A method of implanting an intervertebral prosthesis in an intervertebral space between a first and a second vertebra of a patient's spinal column may include making a first aperture at a first location to permit access to the intervertebral disc space. The first aperture may be sized to allow passage of at least a portion of the intervertebral prosthesis. A second aperture may be made at a second location to permit access to the intervertebral disc space. The second aperture may be sized to allow passage of a surgical instrument. An intervertebral prosthesis for implantation into an intervertebral space between a first and a second vertebra of a patient's spinal column is also disclosed, along with a surgical instrument for implanting the an intervertebral prosthesis.

Abstract: A fastener is provided for fixating two objects in a fixed spatial relationship, such as bone segments, so that resultant stress is maintained at a constant value along a shank portion of the fastener in order to minimize stress concentrations and optimize the strength to size relationship of the fastener, thereby reducing the likelihood of fastener failure. The fastener additionally comprises an improved head which temporarily engages a driving instrument to facilitate fixation. A driving instrument for deploying the fastener is also provided.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for securing the head of a screw in a bone plate is disclosed in which bone fasteners or screws snap-fit into an undercut of fastener receiving openings of the bone plate. The bone fasteners or screws are designed such that they may be removed or repositioned from the snap-fit undercuts with the aid of a driver instrument. An embodiment is also disclosed in which a fusion cage is utilized in connection with bone plate and fasteners.