Abstract: An expandable medical implant for supporting bone structures includes a curved outer member to cooperatively engage a first bone structure and a curved inner member configured to cooperatively engage a second bone structure. The curved inner member is receivable within and movable relative to the curved outer member along an arc bounded by the curvature of the curved outer member. One of the curved outer and inner members may include a tapered surface and the other of the curved outer and inner members may include a scalloped surface. The implant may include a locking element disposed between the tapered and scalloped surface. The locking element is movable between a locked position engaging the tapered surface and a roughened locking surface to inhibit a decrease in the overall height of the implant and an unlocked position permitting at least an increase in the overall height of the implant.

Abstract: An expandable medical implant for supporting bone structures is disclosed. The implant may include an outer member and an inner member receivable in the outer member. One of the outer and inner members includes a tapered surface and the other of the outer and inner members includes a scalloped surface. The implant may also include a locking element disposed between the tapered surface and the scalloped surface. The tapered surface may be movable relative to the locking element to transversely shift the locking element into engagement with the scalloped surface to inhibit a decrease in the overall implant height.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include expandable, implantable devices and methods. Devices expand linearly within the volume of a membrane and laterally to provide secure fixation between or among anatomical structures. In some embodiments, an implant replaces one or more vertebral bodies, or portions of vertebral bodies, of the spine.

Abstract: A lateral connector assembly for connecting a bone engaging fastener to an elongated member, such as a spinal rod includes a lateral connector having an opening for receiving a portion of the bone engaging fastener therethrough. The lateral connector includes a plate portion and an integral yoke portion, which yoke portion is attached to the elongated member by way of a clamp. The lateral connector assembly can include variable angle means between the clamp and the yoke portion of the lateral connector that permits rotation of the lateral connector about an axis projecting outward from the spinal rod. The clamp includes a tapering channel to capture the elongated member and lock the connector assembly.

Abstract: An expandable medical implant for supporting bone structures includes a curved outer member to cooperatively engage a first bone structure and a curved inner member configured to cooperatively engage a second bone structure. The curved inner member is receivable within and movable relative to the curved outer member along an arc bounded by the curvature of the curved outer member. One of the curved outer and inner members may include a tapered surface and the other of the curved outer and inner members may include a scalloped surface. The implant may include a locking element disposed between the tapered and scalloped surface. The locking element is movable between a locked position engaging the tapered surface and a roughened locking surface to inhibit a decrease in the overall height of the implant and an unlocked position permitting at least an increase in the overall height of the implant.

Abstract: A connection system is provided that joins two or more spinal fixation plate systems together. In one form, a pair of bone bolts forms two docking points for a connecting member to attach to and brace two spinal fixation plate systems together. In another form, the connecting member is adjustable to allow for different dimensions between two spinal fixation plate systems. In another embodiment, a cap forms a dynamic connection between a bone bolt and a connecting member.

Abstract: An expandable medical implant for supporting bone structures is disclosed. The implant may include an outer member and an inner member receivable in the outer member. One of the outer and inner members includes a tapered surface and the other of the outer and inner members includes a scalloped surface. The implant may also include a locking element disposed between the tapered surface and the scalloped surface. The tapered surface may be movable relative to the locking element to transversely shift the locking element into engagement with the scalloped surface to inhibit a decrease in the overall implant height.