Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of an intervertebral space with a trial implant (9), the insertion of an implant (5, 6, 7), the inserters (13, 16), and the method for feeding and inserting the implant (5, 6, 7) by means of an oblique anterior approach. In the novel improved method, the associated instruments (13, 16) for inserting an implant (5, 6, 7) into an intervertebral space, in particular for the lumbar spine at an oblique anterior angle of 45° was developed, the left side of the body being preferred for insertion of the implant (5, 6, 7). Either the implant (5, 6, 7) can be inserted all in one, or first the upper part (5) and lower parts (7) and then the inlay (6) may be inserted. By insertion by means of the left oblique anterior approach at 45°, optimum utilization of the area of the intervertebral space is ensured (footprint), and better retention of the implant is guaranteed by the exact chiselling at an angle of 90° normal to the respective intervertebral surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plate-implant for use in osteosynthesis, comprising at least one first plate component with throughbores for receiving fastening screws and a connection means, at least one second plate component with throughbores for receiving fastening screws and a receiving means for receiving a connection means. According to the invention, each plate component is slidable in one direction relative to the other plate component, the plate components being provided with a device limiting their slide path relative to each other. The device comprises a clamping screw (18) having a thread and a screw head and, in the mounted state of the two plate components (2, 3), the thread cooperates with the connection means (5) and the screw head with a longitudinal borehole (14) provided in the second plate component (3) in such a way that a clamping effect is obtained between the screw head and the longitudinal borehole (14) and between the connection means (5) and the receiving means (6).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for customizing an intervertebral implant includes the initial step of obtaining a 3D anatomy of a series of vertebrae including an abnormal vertebra in a computer. The 3D anatomy of the series is then repositioned in the computer to eliminate the deformity caused by the abnormal vertebra. It is next determined whether a superior or inferior surface of the abnormal vertebra is an abnormal surface which causes the deformity, whereby an approximate gap between the abnormal surface and a desired normal surface is determined. Using that gap determination, a custom implant is constructed to engage the abnormal surface and fill the determined gap. Thus, when the implant is implanted between the abnormal surface and an adjacent surface of an adjacent vertebrae, the deformity is substantially compensated for. The implant may have articulation between the endplates to allow relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: Trials for spinal surgery include: (a) a trial implant portion having a shape corresponding to an implantable spinal disc implant; (b) a shaft connected to the trial implant portion; and (c) at least one axially extending cutting guide slot attached to the shaft at a position that is axially spaced apart from the trial implant portion, the cutting guide slot configured to releasably slidably receive and guide a cutting blade toward vertebral bone. Also described are additional surgical instruments, including, for example, pilot-hole punches, inserters, and methods of cutting keelways.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plate-implant for use in osteosynthesis, comprising at least one first plate component with throughbores for receiving fastening screws and a connection means, at least one second plate component with throughbores for receiving fastening screws and a receiving means for receiving a connection means. According to the invention, each plate component is slidable in one direction relative to the other plate component, the plate components being provided with a device limiting their slide path relative to each other. The device comprises a clamping screw (18) having a thread and a screw head and, in the mounted state of the two plate components (2, 3), the thread cooperates with the connection means (5) and the screw head with a longitudinal borehole (14) provided in the second plate component (3) in such a way that a clamping effect is obtained between the screw head and the longitudinal borehole (14) and between the connection means (5) and the receiving means (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of an intervertebral space with a trial implant (9), the insertion of an implant (5, 6, 7), the inserters (13, 16), and the method for feeding and inserting the implant (5, 6, 7) by means of an oblique anterior approach. In the novel improved method, the associated instruments (13, 16) for inserting an implant (5, 6, 7) into an intervertebral space, in particular for the lumbar spine at an oblique anterior angle of 45° was developed, the left side of the body being preferred for insertion of the implant (5, 6, 7). Either the implant (5, 6, 7) can be inserted all in one, or first the upper part (5) and lower parts (7) and then the inlay (6) may be inserted. By insertion by means of the left oblique anterior approach at 45°, optimum utilization of the area of the intervertebral space is ensured (footprint), and better retention of the implant is guaranteed by the exact chiselling at an angle of 90° normal to the respective intervertebral surface.

Abstract: Trials for spinal surgery include: (a) a trial implant portion having a shape corresponding to an implantable spinal disc implant; (b) a shaft connected to the trial implant portion; and (c) at least one axially extending cutting guide slot attached to the shaft at a position that is axially spaced apart from the trial implant portion, the cutting guide slot configured to releasably slidably receive and guide a cutting blade toward vertebral bone. Also described are additional surgical instruments, including, for example, pilot-hole punches, inserters, and methods of cutting keelways.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for customizing an intervertebral implant includes the initial step of obtaining a 3D anatomy of a series of vertebrae including an abnormal vertebra in a computer. The 3D anatomy of the series is then repositioned in the computer to eliminate the deformity caused by the abnormal vertebra. It is next determined whether a superior or inferior surface of the abnormal vertebra is an abnormal surface which causes the deformity, whereby an approximate gap between the abnormal surface and a desired normal surface is determined. Using that gap determination, a custom implant is constructed to engage the abnormal surface and fill the determined gap. Thus, when the implant is implanted between the abnormal surface and an adjacent surface of an adjacent vertebrae, the deformity is substantially compensated for. The implant may have articulation between the endplates to allow relative movement therebetween.