Abstract: An intervertebral prosthetic joint including a first articular component adapted to engage a first vertebra and a second articular component adapted to engage a second vertebra The articular components include abutting convex and concave articular surfaces that cooperate to permit articulating motion between the articular components. At least one of the convex and concave articular surfaces includes at least one surface depression that is configured to facilitate removal of matter disposed between abutting portions of the articular surfaces. In one embodiment of the prosthetic joint, each of the articular components has a vertebral bearing surface and a flange extending therefrom that is configured to penetrate a corresponding one of the first and second vertebrae, with the flange defining at least one opening extending therethrough to permit bone through-growth.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved prosthetic joints and a nucleus supplement device for a spinal disc without violating its annulus fibrosus. In one example, a prosthetic joint includes: a tip adapted for mating against a superior articular process of an inferior vertebra, and the tip acts as at least a spacer between the superior articular process and an inferior articular process of a superior vertebra; and an body for mating against a hole in the superior vertebra, and the body comprises a surface that is uneven along its entire length. In another example, a method for restoring motions of a joint includes: providing a body for a prosthetic joint; threading a surface of the body, and the threading extends an entire length of the body; and creating an internal cavity in the prosthetic joint.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device in one embodiment includes a tapered body defining a hollow interior or chamber for receiving bone graft or bone substitute material. The body defines exterior threads which are interrupted over portions of the outer surface of the device. The fusion device includes truncated side walls so that on end view the body takes on a cylindrical form. In another embodiment, the tapered body is solid and formed of a porous biocompatible material having sufficient structural integrity to maintain the intradiscal space and normal curvature. The material is preferably a porous tantalum composite having fully interconnected pores to facilitate complete bone tissue ingrowth into the implant. In further embodiments, the fusion devices are provided with osteogenic material to facilitate bone ingrowth. A cap is also provided to block the opening of hollow fusion devices. The cap includes an occlusion body and an elongated anchor.

Abstract: Spinal spacers 20 are provided for fusion of a motion segment. The spacers include a load bearing member 21 having a wall 22 sized for engagement within a space between adjacent vertebrae to maintain the space and an effective amount of an osteogenic composition to stimulate osteoinduction. The osteogenic composition includes a substantially pure osteogenic factor in, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In one embodiment the load bearing member includes a bone graft impregnated in an osteogenic composition. In another embodiment, the osteogenic composition 30 is packed within a chamber 25 defined in the graft. Any suitable configuration of a bone graft is contemplated, including bone dowels, D-shaped spacers and cortical rings. A spinal spacer 300 for engagement between vertebrae is also provided which includes a body 301 formed of a bone composition.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device for engagement between vertebrae includes a pair of lateral spacers for spacing the vertebrae, and a connecting member adapted to couple together the lateral spacers when inserted between the vertebrae. The connecting member, individual lateral spacers, or the entire spinal spacer can be made of bone in order to promote fusion of the vertebrae. The modular construction permits use of bone segments otherwise unsuitable due to size or strength in stable fusion devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to orthopedic implants made from a mesh material. The mesh material can be treated in order to promote bone growth, to provide antibiotics, or to provide other beneficial treatment. Specific applications for the implants include, for example, a prosthetic ligament, a tension band, an interbody device, or a fixation device that extends across one or more joints or fractures.

Abstract: Spinal spacers 20 are provided for fusion of a motion segment. The spacers include a load bearing member 21 having a wall 22 sized for engagement within a space between adjacent vertebrae to maintain the space and an effective amount of an osteogenic composition to stimulate osteoinduction. The osteogenic composition includes a substantially pure osteogenic factor in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In one embodiment the load bearing member includes a bone graft impregnated in an osteogenic composition. In another embodiment, the osteogenic composition 30 is packed within a chamber 25 defined in the graft. Any suitable configuration of a bone graft is contemplated, including bone dowels, D-shaped spacers and cortical rings.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device in one embodiment includes a tapered body defining a hollow interior for receiving bone graft or bone substitute material The body defines exterior threads which are interrupted over portions of the outer surface of the device. The fusion device defines truncated side walls so that on end view the body takes on a cylindrical form. The side walls are provided with vascularization openings, and the body wall device includes opposite bone ingrowth slots extending through the interrupted thread portion of the body. In another embodiment, the tapered body is solid and formed of a porous biocompatible material having sufficient structural integrity to maintain the intradiscal space and normal curvature. The material is preferably a porous tantalum having fully interconnected pores to facilitate complete bone tissue ingrowth into the implant.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device in one embodiment includes a tapered body defining a hollow interior for receiving bone graft or bone substitute material. The body defines exterior threads which are interrupted over portions of the outer surface of the device. The fusion device defines truncated side walls so that on end view the body takes on a cylindrical form. The side walls are provided with vascularization openings, and the body wall device includes opposite bone ingrowth slots extending through the interrupted thread portion of the body. In another embodiment, the tapered body is solid and formed of a porous biocompatible material having sufficient structural integrity to maintain the intradiscal space and normal curvature. The material is preferably a porous tantalum having fully interconnected pores to facilitate complete bone tissue ingrowth into the implant.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical technique is provided for preparing a site for implantation of a fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a laparoscope is provided having an outer sleeve with distraction fingers at one end to distract the disc space. The laparoscope includes a laparoscopic port at its opposite end through which instruments and implants are inserted. The laparoscope provides a sealed working channel to the disc space, through which the disc space is distracted, the vertebral endplates and surrounding disc is reamed, and the fusion device inserted. The laparoscope is alternately engaged within bilateral locations in the disc space for insertion of a pair of fusion implants. A switching sleeve extends through the laparoscope to protect the tissue at the surgical site as the laparoscope is moved between the bilateral fusion locations.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device in one embodiment includes a tapered body defining a hollow interior or chamber for receiving bone graft or bone substitute material. The body defines exterior threads which are interrupted over portions of the outer surface of the device. The fusion device includes truncated side walls so that on end view the body takes on a cylindrical form. In another embodiment, the tapered body is solid and formed of a porous biocompatible material having sufficient structural integrity to maintain the intradiscal space and normal curvature. The material is preferably a porous tantalum composite having fully interconnected pores to facilitate complete bone tissue ingrowth into the implant. In further embodiments, the fusion devices are provided with osteogenic material to facilitate bone ingrowth. A cap is also provided to block the opening of hollow fusion devices. The cap includes an occlusion body and an elongated anchor.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical technique is provided for preparing a site for implantation of a fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a laparoscope is provided having an outer sleeve with distraction fingers at one end to distract the disc space. The laparoscope includes a laparoscopic port at its opposite end through which instruments and implants are inserted. The laparoscope provides a sealed working channel to the disc space, through which the disc space is distracted, the vertebral endplates and surrounding disc is reamed, and the fusion device inserted. The laparoscope is alternately engaged within bilateral locations in the disc space for insertion of a pair of fusion implants. A switching sleeve extends through the laparoscope to protect the tissue at the surgical site as the laparoscope is moved between the bilateral fusion locations.

Abstract: A method and instrumentation particularly adapted for disc space preparation from an anterior approach to the spine. In one aspect, an expandable template is provided having guides to guide a cutting device for bilateral formation of openings in the disc space. In another aspect, an improved guide member is provided for guiding a cutting tool. Still further, the invention provides an improved double barrel guide sleeve with a central distraction extension and lateral non-distracting extensions. Optionally, the guide sleeve includes windows and covers to selectively cover the windows. An improved reamer with an internal chamber and optional modular coupling is also provided. A depth stop is provided to selectively engage a tool shaft and a guide sleeve to control tool penetration into the disc space. A method of using the disclosed instruments is also provided.

Abstract: A method and instrumentation particularly adapted for disc space preparation from an anterior approach to the spine. In one aspect, an expandable template is provided having guides to guide a cutting device for bilateral formation of openings in the disc space. In another aspect, an improved guide member is provided for guiding a cutting tool. Still further, the invention provides an improved double barrel guide sleeve with a central distraction extension and lateral non-distracting extensions. Optionally, the guide sleeve includes windows and covers to selectively cover the windows. An improved reamer with an internal chamber and optional modular coupling is also provided. A depth stop is provided to selectively engage a tool shaft and a guide sleeve to control tool penetration into the disc space. A method of using the disclosed instruments is also provided.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device in one embodiment includes a tapered body defining a hollow interior for receiving bone graft or bone substitute material. The body defines exterior threads which are interrupted over portions of the outer surface of the device. The fusion device defines truncated side walls so that on end view the body takes on a cylindrical form. The side walls are provided with vascularization openings, and the body wall device includes opposite bone ingrowth slots extending through the interrupted thread portion of the body. In another embodiment, the tapered body is solid and formed of a porous biocompatible material having sufficient structural integrity to maintain the intradiscal space and normal curvature. The material is preferably a porous tantalum having fully interconnected pores to facilitate complete bone tissue ingrowth into the implant.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical technique is provided for preparing a site for implantation of a fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a laparoscope is provided having an outer sleeve with distraction fingers at one end to distract the disc space. The laparoscope includes a laparoscopic port at its opposite end through which instruments and implants are inserted. The laparoscope provides a sealed working channel to the disc space, through which the disc space is distracted, the vertebral endplates and surrounding disc is reamed, and the fusion device inserted. The laparoscope is alternately engaged within bilateral locations in the disc space for insertion of a pair of fusion implants. A switching sleeve extends through the laparoscope to protect the tissue at the surgical site as the laparoscope is moved between the bilateral fusion locations.

Abstract: An auxiliary sun visor comprising a tinted transparent plastic glare shield molded onto a plastic strap which attaches temporarily to the permanent sun visor by means of interlocking fabric. The auxiliary sun visor rotates (pivots) to the side window thereby allowing sun visors to be deployed on windshield and front side window simultaneously. The interlocking fabric method of attachment to permanent sun visor will not interfere with newly innovated head curtain side air bags. If this auxiliary sun visor is struck by the rapid descending and inflating side air bags the fabric attachment will separate without risk of metal parts becoming projectiles as used in prior art of auxiliary sun visors. The glare shield is made from unbreakable semi-rigid plastic material that will not cause the extensive injuries that a rigid visor with multiple parts and rigid plastic could inflict when the side head curtain air bag rapidly descends from the vehicle roof.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical technique is provided for preparing a site for implantation of a fusion device or implant. In accordance with one embodiment of the technique, a laparoscope is provided having an outer sleeve with distraction fingers at one end to distract the disc space. The laparoscope includes a laparoscopic port at its opposite end through which instruments and implants are inserted. The laparoscope provides a sealed working channel to the disc space, through which the disc space is distracted, the vertebral endplates and surrounding disc is reamed, and the fusion device inserted. The laparoscope is alternately engaged within bilateral locations in the disc space for insertion of a pair of fusion implants. A switching sleeve extends through the laparoscope to protect the tissue at the surgical site as the laparoscope is moved between the bilateral fusion locations.

Abstract: A percutaneous surgical system includes a plurality of tissue retractors configured to maintain a working space within soft tissue. The tissue retractors include a prong on their inner surfaces for engaging a ring member. The ring member maintains the position of the tissue retractors while also defining a number of channels inside the ring member. In one embodiment, the ring member includes concentric inner and outer walls connected by support walls. The inner wall defines an inner bore for supporting a working channel sleeve for the introduction of working instruments. A plurality of outer channels are defined between the inner, outer and support walls for the introduction of ancillary instruments to the surgical site. A manipulation tool is also provided that engages each tissue retractor for positioning the retractor within the patient.

Abstract: A template assembly is provided for marking locations on the disc annulus for the implantation of an interbody fusion device or the introduction of a working instrument. The template assembly includes a tubular body sized for percutaneous introduction into a patient and advancement to an affected intervertebral disc. An elongated shaft slidably extends through the tubular body and is threadedly engaged to the handle-mounted thumb wheel so that rotation of the thumb wheel relative to the tubular body retracts the shaft through the body. A guide foot with a rotatable cam near the distal end of the tubular body is operable by the shaft and may be pivoted from a first position aligned with the tubular body to a second deployed position oriented transversely to the tubular body. The guide assembly has an electrocautery projection for marking locations on the disc annulus.