Abstract: A modular intervertebral prosthesis system includes first and second baseplates and an insert designed to mate to the baseplates. The baseplates include a mounting section and a intervertebral section extending away from the mounting section generally perpendicular thereto. The intervertebral section has at least one aperture passing therethrough. When installed, the insert is disposed between the intervertebral sections of the baseplates and faces the apertures. In this way, the insert is not insulated from the vertebral members, thereby allowing for osteoinduction, osteoconduction, and/or osteointegration, if desired. The insert may take the form of an articulating-type insert or a fusion-type insert, with the baseplates being operative with both types of inserts. After installation of the insert between the baseplates, the insert may be readily removed, at least initially.

Abstract: A guide and a blade for contouring vertebral bodies. The guide is sized to be mounted between two vertebral members and includes a pair of edges for receiving the blade. The pair of edges are spaced a distance apart for the first edge to align with a first vertebral member, and the second edge to align with a second vertebral member. The blade includes a pair of arms with at least one cutting edge. The arms are sized to fit within the pair of edges respectively. Using the blade and guide comprises inserting the guide adjacent to two vertebral members, and inserting the arms through the pair of edges to contour the ends of the members. In an embodiment with cutting edges at the distal ends of each of the arms, the two vertebral members can be contoured simultaneously.

Abstract: Implantable devices are provided useful for creating fusion particularly in intervetebral spinal fusion. The device is formed of any rigid biocompatible material and has a body portion with an attached ligament extending from the body portion. The ligament can extend upwardly from the body portion and downwardly from the body portion, and is made from a flexible material. In one application, the body portion is inserted into a disc space and the flexible ligament is secured to vertebrae on either side of the disc space.

Abstract: Implantable devices are provided useful for creating fusion particularly in intervetebral spinal fusion. The device is formed of any rigid biocompatible material and has a body portion with an attached ligament extending from the body portion. The ligament can extend upwardly from the body portion and downwardly from the body portion, and is made from a flexible material. In one application, the body portion is inserted into a disc space and the flexible ligament is secured to vertebrae on either side of the disc space.

Abstract: Implantable devices are provided useful for creating fusion particularly in intervetebral spinal fusion. The device is formed of any rigid biocompatible material and has a body portion with an attached ligament extending from the body portion. The ligament can extend upwardly from the body portion and downwardly from the body portion, and is made from a flexible material. In one application, the body portion is inserted into a disc space and the flexible ligament is secured to vertebrae on either side of the disc space.

Abstract: A modular bone fastener system for use with a longitudinal member, such as a plate, having a fastener with a threaded lower potion for engaging a spinal element and an upper portion adapted to receive a headpiece. The headpiece is adapted to mate with the upper portion of the fastener and to engage a longitudinal member. A plurality of headpieces having angulated projections, lateral sections, and angulated lateral sections, all of which are adapted to engage a longitudinal member and overcome angular and translational misalignment of the fastener, may also be provided. The headpieces of some connectors are configured to permit angulation of a bore fastener relative to the connector.

Abstract: A modular bone fastener system for use with a longitudinal member, such as a plate, having a fastener with a threaded lower potion for engaging a spinal element and an upper portion adapted to receive a headpiece. The headpiece is adapted to mate with the upper portion of the fastener and to engage a longitudinal member. A plurality of headpieces having angulated projections, lateral sections, and angulated lateral sections, all of which are adapted to engage a longitudinal member and overcome angular and translational misalignment of the fastener, may also be provided. The headpieces of some connectors are configured to permit angulation of a bore fastener relative to the connector.