Abstract: An expanding, conforming interbody implant includes a plurality of superior and a plurality of inferior segments. The segments are adapted to individually expand, contact, and conform to endplates of vertebral bodies to distribute forces equally over the implant and across the vertebral endplates. Once a proper extension of the segments has been achieved, the segments are locked in position. The implant has a stiffness that approximates the stiffness of bone, and the implant minimizes problems with subsidence, endplate fractures, and stress shielding.

Abstract: A porous implant design method includes defining a design volume for a porous implant, a load to be borne by the design volume, and an objective function solution characteristic related to the design volume. Next, the load is divided into a plurality of sub-loads and an optimization procedure is performed: until all sub-loads have been applied, one of the plurality of sub-loads is applied to the material in the design volume, material from the design volume is removed such that remaining material within the design volume is capable of bearing one of the plurality of sub-loads while satisfying the objection function solution characteristic; the remaining material defines a void space without material, the void space is set as a new design volume for any remaining sub-loads, the new design volume is set as being full of material. Then, the remaining material from each cycle of the optimization is combined.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring and applying a spinal compression force are provided. Some implementations of the systems and methods include a compression instrument having one or more compressors or gauges. In some cases, the compressor is configured to apply the spinal compression force to a spine of a patient. In some cases, the gauge is configured to measure the spinal compression force. Other implementations are discussed herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a secure and durable implant are disclosed. For example, the systems and methods may include securely attaching an anchor to an implant body. In some cases, the anchor has an anchor head. In some cases, a coupler for coupling to the implant body is configured to receive the anchor. Some implementations of the disclosed systems and methods include a rivet for attaching the anchor to the coupler. In some implementations at least one of the anchor head and the rivet includes a projection, while the other includes a socket configured to receive the projection. Other implementations are discussed herein.

Abstract: A porous implant design method includes defining a design volume for a porous implant, a load to be borne by the design volume, and an objective function solution characteristic related to the design volume. Next, the load is divided into a plurality of sub-loads and an optimization procedure is performed: until all sub-loads have been applied, one of the plurality of sub-loads is applied to the material in the design volume, material from the design volume is removed such that remaining material within the design volume is capable of bearing one of the plurality of sub-loads while satisfying the objection function solution characteristic; the remaining material defines a void space without material, the void space is set as a new design volume for any remaining sub-loads, the new design volume is set as being full of material. Then, the remaining material from each cycle of the optimization is combined.

Abstract: An expanding, conforming interbody implant includes a plurality of superior and a plurality of inferior segments. The segments are adapted to individually expand, contact, and conform to endplates of vertebral bodies to distribute forces equally over the implant and across the vertebral endplates. Once a proper extension of the segments has been achieved, the segments are locked in position. The implant has a stiffness that approximates the stiffness of bone, and the implant minimizes problems with subsidence, endplate fractures, and stress shielding.

Abstract: A method of assembling a surgical construct includes installing a fastener within a bone of a patient. A connector rod is positioned on the fastener and an interference or press fit is created between the fastener and the rod, with very little effort required on the surgeon's part. No additional steps are necessary or desirable; the surgeon can simply position the rod over the fastener, and very quickly and accurately couple the two one to another. A securing device can be used to couple the fastener and the rod, and a different device can be used to uncouple the fastener from the rod. The securing device engages the fastener and the rod, and pushes the rod over the fastener as the surgeon activates the gripping mechanism.

Abstract: A porous implant design method includes defining a design volume for a porous implant, a load to be borne by the design volume, and an objective function solution characteristic related to the design volume. Next, the load is divided into a plurality of sub-loads and an optimization procedure is performed: until all sub-loads have been applied, one of the plurality of sub-loads is applied to the material in the design volume, material from the design volume is removed such that remaining material within the design volume is capable of bearing one of the plurality of sub-loads while satisfying the objection function solution characteristic; the remaining material defines a void space without material, the void space is set as a new design volume for any remaining sub-loads, the new design volume is set as being full of material. Then, the remaining material from each cycle of the optimization is combined.

Abstract: Orthopedic plates (including anterior cervical plates), plate systems, and methods of use allow orthopedic screws to be placed with full visualization. This allows screw placement without use of specialized locating instruments or pins. The new plates are introduced to the surgical wound after the screws are placed and are secured by a press or interference fit. Because the screws are placed before the plates are introduced, the screws function as attachment points for distraction implements. The new plates and plate systems obviate the need to achieve a particular position and angulation of screws. The screws allow more angulation, and plate eyes adjust to screw position. Plate eyes translate to match the effective plate size to the screw placement, thereby allowing each plate to fit multiple screw spacings. Plates are adapted to adjust to bone remodeling or subsidence. Screw eyes can slide to maintain graft contact and compression.

Abstract: A tulip assembly configured to be coupled to a screw head having a first diameter includes a housing, wherein the housing defines an inner diameter configured to engage the first diameter of the screw head. The exemplary inner diameter of the housing being smaller than the first diameter of the screw head.

Abstract: A tulip assembly configured to be coupled to a screw head having a first diameter includes a housing, wherein the housing defines an inner diameter configured to engage the first diameter of the screw head. The exemplary inner diameter of the housing being smaller than the first diameter of the screw head.

Abstract: A tulip assembly configured to be coupled to a screw head having a first diameter includes a housing, wherein the housing defines an inner diameter configured to engage the first diameter of the screw head. The exemplary inner diameter of the housing being smaller than the first diameter of the screw head.

Abstract: A method of tailoring a spinal implant to correspond to a specific patient's needs includes: pre-operatively evaluating a patient to determine a desired spinal segment response; and modifying one or more features of flexures of an implant to provide the desired spinal segment response. Modifying one or more features of flexures of the implant can include modifying one or more of a thickness, width, length and/or shape of the features of the flexures. Various systems for executing the methodologies taught herein are also provided.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for use in surgical constructs includes a first body and a second body. One of the first body and the second body includes a male member and an other of the first body and the second body includes a female member. The male member is sized and shaped to be received within the female member and the female member has an internal bore sized and shaped to receive the male member therein. One of the male member or the female member includes one or more engagement features formed therewith or attached thereto. The engagement features are operable to provide a gripping interface between the male member and the female member to couple the male member and the female member one to another.

Abstract: Medical implants and implant components are formed by additive manufacturing processes. The additive manufacturing process used results in the implants or implant components having surfaces having a higher coefficient of friction as opposed to a similar implant manufactured using a different process, such as having a machined surface. The higher coefficient of friction of the relevant surface is particularly useful for multi-component implants that are to have a fixed relationship between the components based at least in part on a frictional engagement between them. While manufacturing via an additive manufacturing process may result in an implant component having slightly less strength for its size when compared with traditional manufacturing methods, the advantage of the increased coefficient of friction may offset any loss of component strength, and may allow for overall reduced implant size while maintaining other desirable implant characteristics.

Abstract: A coupling assembly that is configured to couple a surgical screw to another coupling assembly and another surgical screw is disclosed. The coupling assembly comprises a body that includes a receptacle configured to receive a head portion of the surgical screw and hold the head portion through an interference fit. The body further includes either a female member, a male member, or both, the female member and the male member configured to mate with a female member and a male member of the another coupling assembly and thereby join the coupling assembly to the another coupling assembly. Embodiments of the coupling assembly provide for adjustment of the distance between the coupling assemblies, as well as misalignment of various axes of the coupling assembly relative to the surgical screw and the male member. Exemplary embodiments provide fewer parts, greater flexibility during the surgical implantation, and a smaller profile than previous coupling mechanisms.

Abstract: A coupling assembly that is configured to couple a surgical screw to another coupling assembly and another surgical screw is disclosed. The coupling assembly comprises a body that includes a receptacle configured to receive a head portion of the surgical screw and hold the head portion through an interference fit. The body further includes either a female member, a male member, or both, the female member and the male member configured to mate with a female member and a male member of the another coupling assembly and thereby join the coupling assembly to the another coupling assembly. Embodiments of the coupling assembly provide for adjustment of the distance between the coupling assemblies, as well as misalignment of various axes of the coupling assembly relative to the surgical screw and the male member. Exemplary embodiments provide fewer parts, greater flexibility during the surgical implantation, and a smaller profile than previous coupling mechanisms.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes an implant member with a thru-bore having an entry diameter, an intermediate diameter, and an exit diameter. According to one embodiment the intermediate diameter of the thru-bore is larger than both the entry diameter and the exit diameter. Additionally, the orthopedic device includes a screw assembly configured to be coupled to the thru-bore, including a thread portion and a selectively expandable head portion. The selectively expandable head portion includes both an expandable ring and a pull-lock pin configured to selectively expand the expandable ring as the pull-lock pin is pulled from said screw assembly.

Abstract: A method of assembling a surgical construct includes installing a fastener within a bone of a patient. A connector rod is positioned on the fastener and an interference or press fit is created between the fastener and the rod, with very little effort required on the surgeon's part. No additional steps are necessary or desirable; the surgeon can simply position the rod over the fastener, and very quickly and accurately couple the two one to another. A securing device can be used to couple the fastener and the rod, and a different device can be used to uncouple the fastener from the rod. The securing device engages the fastener and the rod, and pushes the rod over the fastener as the surgeon activates the gripping mechanism.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes an implant member with a thru-bore having an entry diameter, an intermediate diameter, and an exit diameter. According to one embodiment the intermediate diameter of the thru-bore is larger than both the entry diameter and the exit diameter. Additionally, the orthopedic device includes a screw assembly configured to be coupled to the thru-bore, including a thread portion and a selectively expandable head portion. The selectively expandable head portion includes both an expandable ring and a pull-lock pin configured to selectively expand the expandable ring as the pull-lock pin is pulled from said screw assembly.