Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for implanting a vertebral body spacer. A lateral surgical approach is contemplated with some disclosed procedures. Instruments of some embodiments are insertable into a disc space to achieve distraction, to determine a desired disc space height, and to select a corresponding implant.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for implanting a vertebral body spacer. A lateral surgical approach is contemplated with some disclosed procedures. Instruments of some embodiments are insertable into a disc space to achieve distraction, to determine a desired disc space height, and to select a corresponding implant.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting an implant is provided. The implant includes a protrusion having a protrusion width for extending into a portion of a bone structure. The instrument includes an elongated member and a first member connected to the elongated member. The first member is adapted for selectively engaging the implant. The first member has a width substantially equal to or less than the protrusion width. A second member may be in movable communication with the first member for selectively engaging the implant.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant including at least two expandable branch portions extending generally along a longitudinal axis and each including a fixed end portion and an opposite movable end portion with the fixed end portions coupled together adjacent a base portion of the implant. A first of the branch portions includes at least one transverse projection having opposite axially-facing outer surfaces. A second of the branch portions defines at least one transverse recess having opposing axially-facing inner surfaces. The transverse projection is positioned within and displacable along the transverse recess with the outer surfaces of the projection positioned in close proximity with the inner surfaces of the recess to provide structural support to the implant subsequent to expansion. In one embodiment, the branch portions are separated from one another by at least one slot including a narrow portion that defines the close fitting transverse projection and transverse recess.

Abstract: An orthopedic prosthesis comprising a polymeric cup member for use in a ball and socket joint is disclosed. The cup member may include several advantageous features such as a multi-directional and multi-planar channel having an undercut area that provides a mechanical lock between the cup member and a fixation material for enhanced fixation. The cup member may further comprise a plurality of spacers for ensuring an even mantle of fixation material between the cup member and the bone, a series of divots for enhancing fixation, a locating feature that permits a physician to visualize and locate the cup member in the socket of the patient's bone on appropriate medical equipment, and a lead-in chamfer located between a terminal edge and an interior surface of the cup member. Further, the terminal edge of the cup member may comprise a planar rim or may alternatively comprise a hood located distally from said terminal edge.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for lateral insertion into an intervertebral space is provided. The device includes a first component for engaging a first vertebral body, a second component for engaging a second vertebral body, and an articulation member positioned between the first and second components. The first and second components each have a length that extends upon cortical bone of opposing sides of an apophyseal ring of the corresponding vertebral body and a width that is smaller than the length. A ratio of length to width for each of the first and second components can be in the range of 1.3:1 to 1.7:1.

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 for interposition between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra, the artificial vertebral joint comprises a superior retaining portion and an inferior retaining portion. The joint further comprises a half-cylinder shaped mobile bearing adapted for insertion between the superior retaining portion and the inferior retaining portion, wherein the half-cylinder shaped mobile bearing is further adapted to move within the inferior retaining portion.

Abstract: An artificial spinal joint for creating at least a portion of a coupling between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra comprises an articulating joint replacement assembly. The articulating joint replacement assembly comprises an anterior joint replacement component extending into an intervertebral disc space between the superior and inferior vertebrae, a first posterior joint replacement component, and a first bridge component coupled between the anterior joint replacement component and the first posterior joint replacement component. The artificial spinal joint further comprises a support joint replacement assembly. The support joint replacement assembly comprises an anterior support component extending into an intervertebral disc space between the superior and inferior vertebrae, a second posterior joint replacement component, and a second bridge component coupled between the anterior support component and the second posterior joint replacement component.

Abstract: An artificial spinal joint creates at least a portion of a coupling between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra. The artificial spinal joint comprises an anterior joint replacement component extending into an intervertebral disc space between the superior and inferior vertebrae. The artificial spinal joint further comprises a bridge component coupled to the anterior joint replacement and extending posteriorly from the anterior joint replacement beyond the intervertebral disc space and a posterior joint replacement component coupled to the bridge, wherein the posterior joint replacement component includes a posterior protrusion engaged with a posterior socket.

Abstract: An artificial spinal joint for creating at least a portion of a coupling between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra comprises an inferior arthroplasty half. The inferior arthroplasty half comprises an inferior articulating component for placement in an intervertebral disc space between the superior and inferior vertebrae, a first posterior arm, and a first bridge component coupled between the inferior articulating component and the first posterior arm. The artificial spinal joint further includes a superior arthroplasty half. The superior arthroplasty half comprises a superior articulating component for placement in an intervertebral disc space between the superior and inferior vertebrae, a second posterior am, and a second bridge component coupled between the superior articulating component and the second posterior arm. The first posterior arm and the second posterior arm cross an anterior-posterior axis defined centrally through and extending from the intervertebral disc space.

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: An artificial spinal joint for creating at least a portion of a coupling between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra is disclosed. The artificial spinal joint comprises a first arthroplasty half comprising a first articulating joint replacement component for placement in an intervertebral disc space between the superior and inferior vertebrae, a first posterior joint replacement component, and a first bridge component coupled between the first articulating joint replacement component and the first posterior joint replacement component. The artificial spinal joint further comprises a second arthroplasty half comprising a second articulating joint replacement component for placement in an intervertebral disc space between the superior and inferior vertebrae, a second posterior joint replacement component, and a second bridge component coupled between the second articulating joint replacement component and the second posterior joint replacement component.

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.