Abstract: An intervertebral disc prosthesis comprises a first prosthesis component, a second prosthesis component, and an intermediate prosthesis component positioned between the first prosthesis component and the second prosthesis component. The first prosthesis component and second prosthesis component are configured to rotate upon the intermediate prosthesis component. The first prosthesis component includes a vertebra facing surface with a central channel formed in the vertebra facing surface. The central channel is designed and dimensioned to engage an insertion arm of a disc insertion tool. The first prosthesis component also includes at least one indentation configured to engage at least one retention arm of the disc insertion tool. The at least one indentation of the first prosthesis component may comprises at least one groove formed in a collar of the first prosthesis component. In one embodiment, the first and second prosthesis components are plates and the intermediate prosthesis component is a core.

Abstract: A mandrel is inserted into the tissue to be distracted and a filament is repeatedly wrapped around the mandrel to make a spool. As the mandrel turns, the filament coils around the mandrel to create of spool of increasing diameter. This spool can be used as a distractor, tamp, or implant. A spool implant can be cemented to further stabilize the device in situ, such as a vertebral body. The filament deposition upon the mandrel is controlled by rotation and the volume creation is incremental. This makes the spool ideal for creating highly controlled distraction forces or insertion of bulking material. In some embodiments, fibers having a low glass transition temperature are used.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for replacing damaged, injured, diseased, or otherwise unhealthy elements of the spinal three-joint complex, such as the facet joints and discs. In one exemplary embodiment, a joint replacement system includes a facet replacement component that is adapted to replace and/or augment the facet joints, and a disc replacement component that is adapted to replace a spinal disc. The facet replacement component and the disc replacement component can couple to one another to allow and/or control flexion, extension, and/or lateral bending of the spine, preferably while substantially restricting posterior-anterior shear and axial rotation of the spine.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for replacing damaged, injured, diseased, or otherwise unhealthy elements of the spinal three-joint complex, such as the facet joints and discs. In one exemplary embodiment, a joint replacement system includes a facet replacement component that is adapted to replace and/or augment the facet joints, and a disc replacement component that is adapted to replace a spinal disc. The facet replacement component and the disc replacement component can couple to one another to allow and/or control flexion, extension, and/or lateral bending of the spine, preferably while substantially restricting posterior-anterior shear and axial rotation of the spine.

Abstract: A method and system for insertion of an implant is disclosed. One embodiment of a system for use in implanting a spinal prosthesis incorporating principles of the invention includes an insertion assembly housing with a channel extending from a distal end portion to a proximal end portion, a gripper having a prosthesis coupling portion for coupling with a spinal prosthesis and an end portion, and a coupler member having a gripper coupling portion rotatably positioned within the channel and configured to couple with the end portion of the gripper within the channel.

Abstract: An intervertebral motion disc having an at least partially resorbable keel.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc prosthesis comprises a superior endplate, an inferior endplate, and an intermediate core positioned between the endplates. The core comprises a central disc portion and a radial flange. The central disc portion of the core is defined by a superior bearing surface and inferior bearing surface. The radial flange of the core includes a first portion that extends radially outward from the central disc portion of the core. The radial flange also includes a second portion that extends axially from the first portion of the flange. The second portion of the flange extends a substantially greater distance toward the inferior endplate than toward the superior endplate. In one embodiment, the second portion of the flange extends completely to the inferior endplate and engages the inferior endplate when the inferior endplate is in a neutral position relative to the core.

Abstract: A method of implanting an intervertebral disc prosthesis in a patient comprises selecting a superior and inferior endplates from a plurality of endplates having different endplate features. The different endplate features include different structural and material composition features. In addition, a core is selected from a plurality of cores having different core features such as different structural and material composition features. In one embodiment, the core is a composite core comprised of a first material and a different second material. After the endplates and core are selected, the intervertebral disc prosthesis is assembled with the selected core positioned between the selected endplates. The assembled intervertebral disc prosthesis is then positioned on an insertion tool and implanted in the patient.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc prosthesis comprises a first prosthesis component, a second prosthesis component, and an intermediate prosthesis component positioned between the first prosthesis component and the second prosthesis component. The first prosthesis component and second prosthesis component are configured to rotate upon the intermediate prosthesis component. The first prosthesis component includes a vertebra facing surface with a central channel formed in the vertebra facing surface. The central channel is designed and dimensioned to engage an insertion arm of a disc insertion tool. The first prosthesis component also includes at least one indentation configured to engage at least one retention arm of the disc insertion tool. The at least one indentation of the first prosthesis component may comprises at least one groove formed in a collar of the first prosthesis component. In one embodiment, the first and second prosthesis components are plates and the intermediate prosthesis component is a core.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc prosthesis comprises a superior endplate and an inferior endplate. The superior and inferior endplates include vertebra fixation surfaces designed to engage vertebral bodies. A composite material is provided on the vertebra fixation surfaces. The composite material includes an osteoconductive component and an osteoinductive component. The osteoconductive component provides a porous matrix or base that facilitates bone growth. The osteoinductive component provides a stimulant material that encourages growth of the bone cells between the osteoconductive component of the endplate and the vertebral body facing the endplate. In one embodiment, the osteoconductive component is permeated by an osteoinductive material to provide the composite material. In another embodiment, the composite material includes a non-resorbable portion that includes osteoconductive substances and a resorbable portion that is doped with osteoinductive substances.

Abstract: Intravertebral bone stents and tamps made from shape memory metal

Abstract: A dispensing system is disclosed herein and includes a valve, a rotatable disc within the valve, and a motor for selectively rotating the disc to certain positions. Positioning of the disc, via the motor, establishes communication between the inlet of the valve and one of at least two outlets.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for replacing damaged, injured, diseased, or otherwise unhealthy elements of the spinal three-joint complex, such as the facet joints and discs. In one exemplary embodiment, a joint replacement system includes a facet replacement component that is adapted to replace and/or augment the facet joints, and a disc replacement component that is adapted to replace a spinal disc. The facet replacement component and the disc replacement component can couple to one another to allow and/or control flexion, extension, and/or lateral bending of the spine, preferably while substantially restricting posterior-anterior shear and axial rotation of the spine.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for replacing damaged, injured, diseased, or otherwise unhealthy elements of the spinal three-joint complex, such as the facet joints and discs. In one exemplary embodiment, a joint replacement system includes a facet replacement component that is adapted to replace and/or augment the facet joints, and a disc replacement component that is adapted to replace a spinal disc. The facet replacement component and the disc replacement component can couple to one another to allow and/or control flexion, extension, and/or lateral bending of the spine, preferably while substantially restricting posterior-anterior shear and axial rotation of the spine.

Abstract: An automatic washer comprises a remote sump fluidly connected to a drain pump and a recirculation pump, and a separator comprising an array of regularly-spaced fins oriented upstream of the recirculation pump for intercepting foreign objects in wash liquid. The remote sump also comprises a wash liquid heater. The separator is automatically purged when the drain pump is operated.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a vertical axis automatic washer. The washer has a rotatable wash basket, a rotatable agitator concentrically mounted in the wash basket and a drive motor. The drive mechanism includes a first drive shaft driven by the motor at a first rotational speed and with a first torque. A second drive shaft is arranged to rotatingly drive the agitator. A mechanism is arranged between the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft to convert the first rotational speed and the first torque to a second rotational speed and a second torque at the second drive shaft. A first clutch is arranged between the wash basket and the first drive shaft to allow for selective engagement and disengagement between the wash basket and the first drive shaft. A second clutch is arranged between the wash basket and the second drive shaft to allow for selective engagement and disengagement between the wash basket and the second drive shaft.