Abstract: An article includes multiple layers of polyaryletherketone (PAEK), in which each layer is composed of a continuous length of PAEK, in which the continuous length of PAEK in at least one of the layers includes an interior portion, and an exterior surface including crystalline regions, in which a crystallinity of the exterior surface is higher than a crystallinity of the interior portion. The cross-sectional area of the continuous length of PAEK is non-uniform within each layer. Each layer defines a plane, and a portion of the continuous length of PAEK in each layer extends out of the plane defined by the layer. The multiple layers of PAEK define a network of interconnected pores.

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: 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: A system and method for forming a medical implant using a printing device. The printing device includes a print head having a heated nozzle, a heated build plate for receiving the printed material thereon, and a reflective plate having an active heater. A method for forming a medical device includes extruding a printing material by contiguous deposition to form a porous object having a lattice-like structure. The medical device, such as a spinal implant, may have interconnected pores and different regions, each having a different porosity for encouraging bone growth therein. The printed medical implant may be designed to be patient-specific, customized, and printed on-demand.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a medical implant using a printing device. The printing device includes a print head having a heated nozzle, a heated build plate for receiving the printed material thereon, and a reflective plate having an active heater. A method for forming a medical device includes extruding a printing material by contiguous deposition to form a porous object having a lattice-like structure. The medical device, such as a spinal implant, may have interconnected pores and different regions, each having a different porosity for encouraging bone growth therein. The printed medical implant may be designed to be patient-specific, customized, and printed on-demand.

Abstract: A resilient washer has a one-piece washer body. The washer body has a central opening, an upper fastener interfacing section or bowl, a lower structure interfacing section or bowl and a resilient middle portion. The resilient middle portion connects the upper fastener interfacing section or bowl and the lower structure interfacing section or bowl. The resilient middle portion is configured to be locally collapsed when a fastener in the central opening is tightened into a structure. In one embodiment, the upper fastener interfacing section or bowl is annular, wherein the upper fastener interfacing section or bowl has a concavity for holding a head of the fastener. The concavity can be of a hemispherical shape. Preferably, the concavity has a smooth surface to allow polyaxial movement of a fastener.

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: A modular head polyaxial pedicle screw assembly has a pedicle bone screw, a tulip, a split locking ring and a saddle. The screw has a head and a threaded shank. The split locking ring has a split ring body with one or more positioning tabs extending from a first surface of the split ring body. The split ring locking ring is configured to be placed internal of the tulip positioned in a recess, groove or undercut of an inner surface of the tulip. Upon assembly of the pedicle screw into the tulip, at least a maximum diameter of the head is positioned above the recess, groove or undercut allowing the split locking ring to be inserted into the recess or groove thereby securing the pedicle screw inside the tulip wherein the head of the pedicle screw abuts the one or more positioning tabs.

Abstract: A retractor having an elongated body that provides access to a surgical location within a patient. The elongate body includes a plurality of segments that are connected to one another through a plurality of ratcheting mechanisms. The ratcheting mechanisms permit relative movement of the segments with respect to one another when expander dilators are inserted within the retractor. The segments are surrounded and retained by a resilient elastomeric sleeve or bands. The distal end surfaces of the segments include thin edges that are configured to mobilize, dissect, split and retract the terminal tissues in the surgical area. The retractor may be used in conjunction with a shim.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a medical implant using a printing device. The printing device includes a print head having a heated nozzle, a heated build plate for receiving the printed material thereon, and a reflective plate having an active heater. A method for forming a medical device includes extruding a printing material by contiguous deposition to form a porous object having a lattice-like structure. The medical device, such as a spinal implant, may have interconnected pores and different regions, each having a different porosity for encouraging bone growth therein. The printed medical implant may be designed to be patient-specific, customized, and printed on-demand.