Abstract: A textile-based surgical implant that can be inserted through any number of suitable surgical approaches, including but not limited to lateral, anterior, anterior-lateral, posterolateral, and/or posterior approaches. When applied to spine surgery and inserted into an intervertebral disc space, the implant restores the normal height of the intervertebral disc space, while advantageously preserving the natural motion of the spine. The textile construction of the implant is beneficial because it is generally compliant and thereby restores and/or improves spinal motion. The compliant nature of the textile-based implant provides the required flexibility and elasticity to advantageously support physiological movements, as opposed to fusion surgery which forms a boney bridge between adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A method for applying microwave techniques to embroidered surgical implants including using microwave technology in the process of acetate removal and using microwave technology in the process of drying implants.

Abstract: A manufacturing process and resultant medical devices and components thereof wherein one or more individual laces (12) is placed within an embroidered structure (10) using an automated process allowing for the manufacture of embroidered surgical implants containing laces to be mass produced repeatably and cost effectively.

Abstract: A textile-based plate implant (and related methods) that supports tissue ingrowth within the implanted implant structure and is suitable for use in a variety of surgical applications, including but not limited to anterior, posterior and lateral surgical approaches directed towards the lumbar, thoracic and cervical regions of the spine.

Abstract: Disc prostheses, particularly for use in the lumbar region of the spine are provided. The disc prosthesis includes a core comprising one or more filling elements provided within an inner component of fabric. The inner component is provided within an outer component of fabric. By providing a smooth inner contact surface between the inner component and the core filling, movement between the inner and outer components is facilitated in preference to movement between the inner component and core. Core abrasion is thus avoided. The use of an inner component and an outer component also means that the characteristics of each can be optimised to meet different aims.

Abstract: A prosthesis for the replacement of an intervertebral disc of the spine comprises a block of an elastomeric material, which is held under compression by an encapsulating textile fabric. A preferred version of the invention has flanges that are continuations of the encapsulating fabric forming an interdigitation, with the continuation of the upper fabric passing through a hole in the lower fabric and being attached to the lower vertebral body and the continuation of the lower fabric crossing to its fixation site on the upper vertebral body. Optionally, the flanges are resorbable, over time leaving only the implant core and encapsulation fabric in the intervertebral space.

Abstract: A spinal implant is provided in which the implant includes a porous component (7) and one or more filling elements (22) provided within the porous component. Tissue in-growth is promoted.

Abstract: Disc prostheses, particularly for use in the lumbar region of the spine are provided. The disc prosthesis includes a core of elastomeric material provided within an inner component of fabric. The inner component is provided within an outer component of fabric. By providing a smooth inner contact surface between the inner component and the core, movement between the inner and outer components is facilitated in preference to movement between the inner component and core. Core abrasion is thus avoided. The use of an inner component and an outer component also means that the characteristics of each can he optimized to meet different aims.

Abstract: A series of disc prostheses are provided, the series including at least a first prosthesis and a second prosthesis, the first prosthesis differing in size and differing in one or more materials from which it is formed compared with the second prosthesis, the first and second prosthesis being of the same type. In this way a surgeon can select from the series the appropriate size so as to mimic the size of natural disc being replaced in a particular patient. As well as mimicking size, however, the invention also provides that the elastomer used in each different size has a different Shore hardness. This allows the intended stiffness and/or shock absorbing properties to be provided in each disc size and so provides for full mimicking of the natural disc in each size.

Abstract: An embroidery process allowing for a three-dimensional shape to be embroidered in two dimensions, allowing for the cost effective and repeatable manufacturing required for use in surgically implanted medical devices.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc prosthesis including a core of elastomeric material provided within an inner component of fabric. The inner component is provided with an outer component of fabric. By providing a smooth inner contact surface between the inner component and the core, movement between the inner and outer components is facilitated in preference to movement between the inner component and core. Core abrasion is thus avoided. The use of an inner component and an outer component also means that the characteristics of each can be optimized to meet different aims. The elastomeric core is provided with an additive to enhance radiopacity under medical imaging.

Abstract: A fissure repair (60) device for a spinal disc is provided, the device including a first portion (61), a second portion (62a, 62b) and a variable link (63a, 63b) between the first portion and second portion, in which the first and second portions are portions of a common element, one of the first or second portions being formed by one or both end portions of the element, the first portion being linked to the second portion by one or more link portions (63a, 63b), the one or more link portions being portions of the common element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing an item, such as an artificial and/or prosthetic intervertebral disc or part thereof, is provided to allow one or more combinations of compressive load and/or flexion and/or extension and/or lateral bending and/or axial rotation and/or shear to be considered. The method includes: providing a first structure having an item contacting portion and a second structure having an item contacting portion; providing an item between the first and second structures and in contact with the item contacting portions; operating an actuator to move the first structure between a first state and a second state, the first structure being in a first rotational position relative to the second structure in the first state and being in a different second rotational position relative to the second structure in the second state.