Abstract: A pedicle attachment assembly includes a pedicle attachment device having a head. A polyaxial housing has a through bore comprising a base portion and two posts upstanding from the base portion, the posts defining therebetween a slot for receiving a rod. A saddle-shaped element is disposable in the slot and has a part cylindrical recess in an upper surface for engagement in use with the rod. The saddle-shaped element has a convex lower portion for engagement in a complimentary concave recess in an upper surface of the head of the attachment device. The lower surface of the head of the attachment device and the lower end of the through bore in the housing have complementary part spherical surfaces for engagement with one another. A cap assembly is provided for clamping the rod in the housing.

Abstract: A spinal fusion implant comprises a rigid hollow elongate member for insertion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of the member between the vertebrae of a human spine, the rigid member having a height (when considered in an use implanted position with a patient's spine vertical) greater than its width w so that the member can be inserted between the two vertebrae and then displaced angularly through 90° to an in use position. The member has a body portion which has a plurality of apertures for allowing bone growth inducing material introduced into the hollow member to extend therethrough and a plurality of arcuate teeth which bite into the vertebrae when the member is in an in use position.

Abstract: The pedicle attachment assembly comprises a pedicle attachment device having a head. A polyaxial housing has a through bore comprising a base portion and two posts upstanding from the base portion, the posts defining therebetween a slot for receiving a rod. A saddle-shaped element is disposable in the slot and has a part cylindrical recess in an upper surface for engagement in use with the rod. The saddle-shaped element has a convex lower portion for engagement in a complimentary concave recess in an upper surface of the head of the attachment device. The lower surface of the head of the attachment device and the lower end of the through bore in the housing have complementary part spherical surfaces for engagement with one another. A cap assembly is provided for clamping the rod in the housing.

Abstract: A prosthesis component having a surface intended, in use, to come into contact with bone tissue, wherein at least part of the external surface is textured to provide an array of lands or peaks (12, 12') separated by troughs (14, 14'), the troughs (14, 14') containing particles (20, 20') embedded in a biocompatible bonding material. The embedded particles (20, 20') preferably fill the troughs (14, 14') up to the level of the lands or peaks (12, 12'). This means that bone ingrowth into the lands or peaks (12, 12') and into the embedded particles (20, 20') can take place simultaneously, thus forming a rapid permanent fixing between the component and the bone with a reduced risk of dislodging of the component due to shear stresses and an increased tensile strength between the component and the adjacent bone.