Abstract: Disclosed bone screws include a slotted tip. The slotted design of the tip partially obviates the need for precision while implanting the bone screw. Further, the slotted tip reduces the stiffness differential between the tip of the bone screw and the bone. Yet further, the slotted tip reduces stress concentrations imparted to the bone both during insertion and under bending loads. Moreover, the slotted tip conforms to natural formations within the bone when the bone screw is inserted into the bone. Instrumentation for implanting and orienting the bone screws is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed bone screws include multiple screw elements engaged together to provide the required strength along a longitudinal direction and the required flexibility in other degrees of freedom. The disclosed bone screws have a low profile. Further, the bone screws allow fine-tuning of the compression to be applied to bones or joints. Instrumentation for implanting and orienting the bone screws is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system comprising a fusion cage and at least one engagement member is provided. The fusion cage includes a first member and a second member. The engagement member is configured to retain the first and second members in an expanded state while simultaneously fixing the fusion case to adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A method for creating undercut features in a wax pattern in an investment casting process is disclosed. The method comprises designing a tooling that includes a mold for an object with an aperture and a core corresponding in size and shape of the aperture. Then, the mold is used to injection mold a pattern for the object, wherein the pattern includes an opening corresponding to the aperture. Next, a plug from the core of the tooling is injection molded using the mold. The plug is press-fitted into the opening of the pattern and the opening of the pattern is sealed with the plug.

Abstract: A system for preparing a bone for receiving an articulating member is provided. The system includes a superior inferior component, a connection feature, a housing, at least one rotating member and a cutter. The superior inferior component is engaged to a structure. The connection feature is engaged with the superior inferior component. The housing is engaged with the connection feature. The rotating member is configured to rotate within the housing. The first cutter is engaged with the rotating member such that the rotation of the rotating member translates into rotation of the first cutter, wherein the first cutter rotates about an axis that is generally parallel to a natural surface of the bone.

Abstract: A system is provided which includes an articulating component, a post, a reception member and a bone engaging member. The articulating component includes an articulating surface and a second surface opposite the articulating surface. The post is disposed below the second surface. The reception member is configured to receive the post. The bone engaging member is configured to be embedded in a bone, wherein the bone engaging member is configured to receive the reception member. The reception member includes a reception member inside surface, wherein the reception member inside surface faces the post when the post is received by the reception member. A first portion of the reception member inside surface defines a tapered configuration and the reception member inside surface comprises at least one ratchet interface.