Abstract: An interbody fusion device including a body member, at least one side member engaging the body member, and at least one movement mechanism that engages at least one side member and the body member. A surgical method for maintaining a space between two vertebral bodies in a spine, including the steps of obtaining a medical device, such as an interbody fusion device, and inserting and coupling an expansion tool into an opening within the medical device. The surgical method also including slidingly inserting the medical device into a space between two vertebral bodies and rotating the expansion tool to move the at least one side member in a direction relative to the body member. The method may further include detaching the expansion tool from the medical device and removing the tool from the space between the two vertebral bodies in the spine.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes an outer body extending along an axis between opposite first and second ends. The outer body defines a bore and a first thread. An inner shaft includes opposite first and second ends. The second end of the inner shaft is positioned in the bore. The inner shaft includes a second thread that mates with the first thread. The second thread includes a series of gear teeth. An end plate is coupled to the first end of the inner shaft. A driver includes a gear configured to engage the gear teeth such that rotation of the driver relative to the outer body rotates the inner shaft relative to the outer body to translate the inner shaft relative to the outer body along the longitudinal axis. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant comprises an expandable cage comprising a central frame, a superior endplate, an inferior endplate, an anterior adjustment mechanism and a posterior adjustment mechanism. The central frame including an anterior (distal) threaded bore and a posterior (proximal) bore. The superior (upper) end plate movably coupled along a posterior portion of the central frame. The inferior (lower) end plate movably coupled along the posterior portion of the central frame opposite the superior end plate. The anterior adjustment mechanism including an anterior wedge coupled to an anterior screw movable within the anterior threaded bore. The posterior adjustment mechanism including a posterior wedge coupled to a posterior screw movable within the posterior bore.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to spinal treatments and, more particularly, to a trial inserter tool compatible with detachable trial heads for use in spinal surgery. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a system for sizing an implant to be used in posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery. The system may comprise a trial inserter tool, wherein the trial inserter tool comprises: a body, wherein the body is an elongated tubular, wherein the body comprises a first end and a second end; an actuation device, wherein the actuation device is disposed on the body between the first end and the second end; and a hooked support member that extends from the second end of the body; and a trial head disposable on the hooked support member.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant is provided having first and second endplates hinged along one end and an expansion mechanism disposed therebetween configured to expand the first and second endplates from each other to provide a lordotic angle of up to 60 degrees. Various implants, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for performing cartilage allograft implant surgeries. The apparatus comprises an allograft plug kit comprising one or more grafts configured to treat osteochondral defects in various bone joint locations in a patient's body. Each of the grafts comprises a cartilage layer coupled with a bone portion. The cartilage layer comprises a thickness selected to closely match the thickness of existing cartilage at an implant location. The bone portion comprises surface features configured to encourage the patient's bone tissue to grow into the bone portion, thereby accelerating incorporation of the graft into the patient's bone. An instrument kit comprises a multiplicity of instruments configured for implantation of the grafts into the patient's body, including at least a graft inserter, a guidewire, a reamer, and a size gauge.

Abstract: The present embodiments include a cable cerclage system and method for the correction of fractures. The system and method can include a cable saddle including first and second loops extending from an upper surface thereof, the first and second loops including apertures extending therethrough and sized and shaped to receive a cerclage cable therethrough. The present embodiments are also directed to a cable cerclage system including at least one cable link, the cable link having a through-hole extending therethrough from a first end to a second end and including a first coupling member at a first and a second coupling member at a second end. The first coupling member of a first cable link is configured to couple to the second coupling member of an adjacent second cable link so that the through-holes of the first and second cable links align to form an elongated cerclage cable passageway.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system, apparatus and method for near-simultaneous and integrated delivery of bone graft material during the placement of surgical cages or other medical implants in a patient's spine. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device according to various embodiments delivers and disperses biologic material through a fusion cage to a disc space and, without withdrawal from the surgical site, may selectively detach the fusion cage for deposit to the same disc space. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device is formed such that a hollow tube and plunger selectively and controllably place bone graft material and a fusion cage in or adjacent to the bone graft receiving area. The system also includes a cover plate that secures to the fusion cage.

Abstract: Expandable fusion devices, systems, instruments, and methods thereof. The expandable fusion device is capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. The fusion device may include a body, a first endplate, and a second endplate. A drive screw may be rotated to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. Instruments may be provided to ensure the implant is inserted safely and as intended.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable interbody fusion implant that is configured to have an initial configuration having a first footprint width suitable for being inserted into an intervertebral space and an expanded configuration having a second footprint width that is greater than the first footprint width. The implant may include a first body member and a second body member that is pivotally coupled to the first body member. The implant may be expanded using an inflatable balloon. The implant may be expanded bilaterally such that both body members rotate relative to the other or the implant may be expanded unilaterally such that one of the body members rotates relative to the other.

Abstract: An expandable interbody spacer for the spine is provided. The spacer includes upper and lower endplates simultaneously movable with respect to a housing along an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis to increase or decrease the height of the spacer selectably along both an anterior side and a posterior side for uniform expansion/contraction of the endplates or only along the anterior side for angular expansion/contraction of the endplates. A spacer deployment instrument is provided that is selectable to effect uniform or angular expansion/contraction. When uniform expansion/contraction is selected a gear on an anterior rod is engaged with a gear on a posterior rod to simultaneously rotate both rods in opposite directions. Opposite threads on actuators of the spacer effect translation of the actuators in the same direction along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Various surgical instruments, implants, and their methods of use are disclosed. The surgical instruments are usable to insert various implants into a patient through an access portal in a minimally-invasive manner. The implants are rotatable between different orientations using the instruments to change the footprint of the implant and allow the implant to be inserted through the minimally-invasive access portal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant for engagement between first and second vertebrae. The implant includes a first plate configured for attachment to the first vertebrae and defining a first interbody connection member and a second plate configured for attachment to the second vertebrae and defining a second interbody connection member. An interbody component includes a body with a first end defining a first plate connection member configured for connection to the first interbody connection member and a second end defining a second plate connection member configured for connection to the second interbody connection member. A method of inserting the implant is also provided.

Abstract: Expandable spinal fusion devices, systems, and methods of using them are provided, and they can be inserted in a subject in a collapsed state through a small surgical corridor, and the expand cephalocaudal only, transverse only, or in both directions, in which direction of expansion can also be obtained independently, if desired, after the insertion. These inventions are valuable in reducing risk and surgical complexity, allowing for an on-the-fly selection of a desirable width footprint, a desired control of height expansion through a gradual cephalocaudal expansion, and a desired control of the alignment of the adjacent vertebral bodies. Devices, systems, and methods are also offered to provide a desired control of the contact area desired between the device and the upper and lower vertebral endplates achieved, for example, using an interdigitated endplate system.

Abstract: A system for dilating tissue includes a retractor having a pair of retractor blades that are movable towards and away from each other to retract tissue of a patient. The retractor blades have longitudinal guide channels. A first pin is attachable to a first vertebra. The system also includes an interbody spacer insertion device that has a guide channel for slidably engaging the longitudinal channel guide and is releasably attachable to an interbody spacer. The interbody spacer insertion device is configured to guide the interbody spacer into a space between adjacent vertebrae. A method for using the system includes advancing the retractor blades towards first and second vertebrae. The first retractor blade is attached to the first vertebra using the first pin and the retractor blades are moved away from each other. The interbody spacer insertion device is translated towards the vertebrae to position the interbody spacer between the vertebrae.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for being implanted between adjacent vertebrae is provided. The implant includes a generally elongate implant body having a length extending between opposite longitudinal ends thereof, a superior face and an inferior face. The superior face and inferior face include cortical teeth adjacent to the implant body longitudinal ends. Additionally, the superior and inferior faces include longitudinally central teeth intermediate the cortical teeth and have bone engaging ends. The central teeth have a sharper configuration than that of the cortical teeth bone engaging ends for biting into the softer central bone material of the vertebrae. The cortical teeth are arranged in a first density per unit area and the central teeth are arranged in a second density per unit area that is less than the first density.

Abstract: A helicoil interference fixation system comprising: a helicoil comprising a helical body comprising a plurality of turns separated by spaces therebetween, the helical body terminating in a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one internal strut extending between at least two turns of the helical body; and an inserter for turning the helicoil, the inserter comprising at least one groove for receiving the at least one strut; the helicoil being mounted on the inserter such that the at least one strut of the helicoil is mounted in the at least one groove of the inserter, such that rotation of the inserter causes rotation of the helicoil.

Abstract: An interbody fusion cage having upper and lower canals for receiving the heads of bone screws that have been pre-installed in opposing vertebral body endplates. The proximal wall of the cage preferably has a vertical slot that communicates with each canal and is adapted to allow access by a screwdriver and tightening of the screws.

Abstract: A joint spacer for therapeutically maintains separation of bones of a joint. A frame defines a longitudinal axis extending between distal and proximal ends. A carriage is slideably retained within the frame and has at least one ramped surface and a threaded portion. An actuator screw is threadably engaged with the threaded portion, and bears against said frame to cause the carriage to slideably move within the frame when the actuator screw is rotated. A first endplate engages a bone of the joint, and has at least one ramped surface that is mateable with the ramped surface of the carriage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are insertion and extraction instruments for orthopaedic procedures that are used for inserting and extracting trials and implants. The instruments include a body extending along a central axis having first and second arms extending from the body along first and second axes. The first and second arms may be moveable with the distal ends of the arms being configured to engage first and second engagement feature of a trial or an implant. The first and second axes define an angle therebetween such that when the distal end of the first arm is received in a first engagement feature of the implant and the distal end of the second arm is in the second engagement feature, the distal ends of the arms are urged against respective first and second side walls of the first and second arms to secure the instrument to the trial or implant.

Abstract: Intervertebral devices and systems, and methods of their use, are disclosed having configurations suitable for placement between two adjacent vertebrae, replacing the functionality of the disc therebetween. Intervertebral devices and systems contemplated herein are implantable devices intended for replacement of a vertebral disc, which may have deteriorated due to disease for example. The intervertebral devices and systems are configured to allow for ample placement of therapeutic agents therein, including bone growth enhancement material, which may lead to better fusion between adjacent vertebral bones. The intervertebral devices and systems are configured for use in minimally invasive procedures, if desired.

Abstract: An expandable vertebral body device, system, instrument, and methods of assembly and using the device, system, and instrument are disclosed. The vertebral body device includes a body with a first end and a second end, a first rotating member rotatably coupled to the first end, a second rotating member rotatably coupled to the second end, a first extension member moveably coupled to the first end, and a second extension member moveably coupled to the second end. The expandable cage system comprises a vertebral body device and an insertion instrument. Methods for assembling and using the vertebral body device and instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bone cage may include first and second spaced apart frames defining a bone ingrowth cavity therebetween, a plurality of first protrusions each having a proximal end coupled to the first frame and a distal end extending into the cavity toward the second frame but not contacting the second frame, and a plurality of second protrusions each having a proximal end coupled to the second frame and a distal end extending into the cavity toward the first frame but not contacting the first frame. Furthermore, the distal ends of the first protrusions may be laterally offset from the distal ends of the second protrusions.

Abstract: An expandable, adjustable inter-body fusion device is presented. The inter-body fusion device can have a first plate, a second plate, and an insert positioned substantially there between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate, the second plate, and the insert define an interior cavity. Moving the insert longitudinally with respect to the first and second plates increases or decreases the distance of the first plate with respect to the second plate, effectively expanding the inter-body fusion device and increasing the volume of the interior cavity. The angle between the first plate and the second plate is selectively adjustable.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral total disc replacement implant, including an inferior component, including a first core including a first outer surface and a first inner surface, and a first plurality of arms telescopingly engaged with the first core, a superior component, including a second core including a second outer surface and a second inner surface, and a second plurality of arms telescopingly engaged with the second core, and an expansion mechanism connected to the first inner surface and the second inner surface, the expansion mechanism operatively arranged to displace the superior component with respect to the inferior component.

Abstract: An implantable modular plate system for stabilizing adjacent vertebral bodies in a cervical spine includes at least two plate segments aligned or connected together so as to form a connection at and along adjacent ends. At least one of the plate segments includes a flange at an engagement end and at least one of the plate segments including a flange recess at an engagement end, the flange being configured for overlay engagement with the flange recess when the at least two plate segments are engaged. The plate segments are pivotable out of plane with one another at a common axis of rotation traversing overlapping portions of the adjacent ends and are constrained from rotation by the flanges such that the rotation of each plate segment is limited to up to 90 degrees of rotation away from the contact surfaces of the flange and flange recess.

Abstract: A selectively expanding spine cage has a minimized cross section in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the diameter of the neuroforamen through which it passes in the distracted spine. The cage conformably engages between the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Expanding selectively (anteriorly, along the vertical axis of the spine) rather than uniformly, the cage height increases and holds the vertebrae with fixation forces greater than adjacent bone and soft tissue failure forces in natural lordosis. Stability is thus achieved immediately, enabling patient function by eliminating painful motion. The cage shape intends to rest proximate to the anterior column cortices securing the desired spread and fixation, allowing for bone graft in, around, and through the implant for arthrodesis whereas for arthroplasty it fixes to endpoints but cushions the spine naturally.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to expandable spinal implants, systems, apparatuses, and components thereof that can be used in spinal fusion and/or stabilization procedures, as well as methods of installation. The expandable spinal implants may be configured for lateral insertion.

Abstract: An expandable implant includes a lower support; an upper support pivotally coupled to the lower support and including a control channel; and a control assembly. The control assembly includes a control shaft coupled to the lower support and a control member coupled to the control shaft and configured to move along the control shaft. The control member includes a base member and a pivot member pivotally coupled to the base member, the pivot member configured to move within the control channel. Movement of the control member along the control shaft causes the pivot member to pivot relative to the base member, and the upper support to pivot relative to the lower support.

Abstract: A spinal pedicle screw system includes distractions rods and has the ability to be distracted after the screws are inserted into the pedicle and maintain polyaxial motion via polyaxial joints.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intervertebral disk prosthesis (10), comprising a caudal plate (20), a cranial plate (30), and an elastic core (40) formed between the caudal plate (20) and the cranial plate (30), wherein the caudal plate (20) has a cavity (25) on the side (21) facing the cranial plate (30), wherein the core (40) is integrally connected to the cavity (25) in the caudal plate (20).

Abstract: An expanding, conforming interbody implant includes a plurality of superior and a plurality of inferior segments. The segments are adapted to individually expand, contact, and conform to endplates of vertebral bodies to distribute forces equally over the implant and across the vertebral endplates. Once a proper extension of the segments has been achieved, the segments are locked in position. The implant has a stiffness that approximates the stiffness of bone, and the implant minimizes problems with subsidence, endplate fractures, and stress shielding.

Abstract: The present invention provides cervical implant (30) comprising an upper surface (38), a lower surface (40), a posterior portion (34) and an anterior portion (36) and including a perimeter (42) and one or more apertures (44,46) within said anterior portion for receiving securing means, said apertures having respective longitudinal axes M1, M2, characterised in that said axes extend in a direction substantially through said anterior portion (36) and converge at a point in a plane outside of said perimeter (42).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to fixation devices. Certain embodiments provide a fixation device for insertion into bone. The fixation device includes a body comprising threads along an outer surface of the body. The fixation device includes one or more blades movably coupled to the body. The one or more blades are configured to move between at least a first position and a second position. In the first position, the one or more blades are retracted into the body. In the second position, the one or more blades are deployed out of the body for insertion into the bone.

Abstract: A suture construct having a soft button, defining a multiplicity of first apertures and a set of second apertures. Also, a suture loop assembly has a suture defining a lumen and forming a double loop, formed by a double trap having a first end and a second end, formed in a trap region of the suture, and in which a first portion of the suture is threaded through the trap region lumen from the first end to the second end and the first portion extends out from the second end, and a second portion of the suture is threaded through the trap region lumen from the second end to the first end, and the second portion extends out from the first end. Finally, the double loop passes through the set of second apertures of the soft button.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral fusion implant, including an inferior component, including a first top surface, a first bottom surface, a first end, a second end, and a first hole including a first portion and a second portion, a superior component, including a second top surface, a second bottom surface, a third end, and a fourth end, and an expansion mechanism including a flexible shaft arranged in the first hole, the flexible shaft including a fifth end, a sixth end connected to the first bottom surface, and a first plurality of teeth.

Abstract: The variable or adjustable depth medical implants in this application are capable of depth adjustment prior to implantation. The variable depth implants permit a single implant to provide multiple footprint configurations, allowing a surgeon footprint adjustability in the operating room. The implants can comprise a metallic lattice designed for specific physical properties, such as an elastic modulus. In some examples, the main body of the implant is taller than the adjustable portion of the implant (also referred to as the second implant body) so that the physical properties of the main body of the implant are controlling at the implant site. In some embodiments, the variable implant is constructed in an additive process as a single unit.

Abstract: A facet joint replacement system includes a facet joint replacement device including an enclosing body and an articulating body. The enclosing body includes an interior surface defining an inner cavity of the enclosing body. The interior surface includes a first articulating surface and a projection extending inwardly relative to a surrounding area of the interior surface. The articulating body is positioned within the inner cavity of the enclosing body and is configured to move within the enclosing body. The articulating body includes a second articulating surface and a recess extending inwardly relative to a surrounding area of the articulating body and aligned with the projection of the interior surface of the enclosing body so as to allow movement of the projection along the recess of the enclosing body while constraining rotational motion of the articulating body within the enclosing body.

Abstract: An implant is disclosed. The implant has a base including an extension arm cavity and a ratchet block cavity that intersects the extension arm cavity, an extension arm that is movably disposed in the extension arm cavity, and a ratchet block that is movably disposed between a first position and a second position in the ratchet block cavity. The ratchet block when disposed in the first position allows movement of the extension arm in an upward direction out of the extension arm cavity and blocks movement of the extension arm in a downward direction into the extension arm cavity. The ratchet block when disposed in the second position allows movement of the extension arm both in the upward direction out of the extension arm cavity and the downward direction into the extension arm cavity.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant frame that is configured to be attached to a spacer body can include a pair of arms that extend longitudinally from a support member such that the arms extend substantially around the spacer body. The arms may be configured to expand, crimp, or otherwise engage the spacer body to thereby hold the spacer body to the frame. The spacer body may be made from bone graft.

Abstract: An interbody fusion cage having upper and lower canals for receiving the heads of bone screws that have been pre-installed in opposing vertebral body endplates. The proximal wall of the cage preferably has a vertical slot that communicates with each canal and is adapted to allow access by a screwdriver and tightening of the screws.

Abstract: Expandable implants for engagement between vertebrae generally include an inner member, outer member, and gear member positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.

Abstract: An expandable laminoplasty device has a superior plate, an inferior plate, threaded or racked gear post having external threads or gear teeth, the post affixed to one of the superior plate or the inferior plate, and a gear nut or pinion gear, the gear has internal threads or external gear teeth configured to engage external threads or gear teeth of the post. The gear is held in one of the superior plate or inferior plate not affixed to the post and wherein the superior plate or inferior plate not affixed to the post has an end with a slot or channel to receive the post and a side opening to receive and hold the gear.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for treating the vertebral column. An implant for treating the spine is provided comprising at least two articulations between the spacer and the bone facing surface of the fixation plate. Another implant for treating the spine is also provided, comprising two or more fixation plates attached to a spacer with two or more articulations, wherein the fixation plates are independently movable.

Abstract: The present invention includes a novel procedure and corresponding medical devices for a Percutaneous Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PePLIF). In PePLIF, the surgeon performs the entire operation percutaneously without the use of a microscope, endoscope, or magnifying loupes. An adjustable retractor system is disclosed that enables the surgeon to percutaneously perform the surgery through accessing the facet joint (and later disc space) that was created by said retractor system. This retractor system provides the surgeon a safe area to work and operate without fear of damaging nerves, blood vessels, or other tissue. An expanding trial may be inserted into and removed from the disc space through the interior of the retractor system to determine the proper size for the expandable cage. The retractor system also enables the expandable cage to be inserted into the disc space.

Abstract: Systems for distracting a facet joint and positioning a permanent implant in the joint are disclosed. The implants serve to retain a distracted position of the facet joint which is achieved with positioning of the leading end of a distraction tool in the facet joint and then distracting or enlarging the joint a desired amount. The permanent implant could be part of the distraction mechanism which can be separated from the delivery tool once the joint has been distracted or an auxiliary implant may be positioned before the distraction mechanism is removed from the distracted joint. The permanent implants can be solid, mechanical devices that may have fixation means thereon to hold them in place or injected fluids such as hydrogels or fluids confined within balloons.

Abstract: A drill tap dilator comprises a dilator body having a central lumen extending therethrough, an elongate sleeve slidably received with the lumen, and a control knob coupled to the sleeve. The control knob is movable rotatably and axially relative to the dilator body. The sleeve includes docking teeth that are extendable from a retracted position within the body lumen to a deployed position outside the body lumen upon rotation of the control knob relative to the dilator body in one rotational direction. Adjustment of the length of drill tap dilator is allowed upon rotation of the control knob in an opposite rotational direction relative to the dilator body and manual axial movement of the control knob relative to the dilator body.