Abstract: A modular interbody fusion device for fusing adjacent spinal vertebrae that is adapted to be implanted in a prepared interbody space including a first modular segment having a width including a first rail extending at least partially along one side of the width and beyond a periphery of a body portion of the first modular segment, a second modular segment having a width and slidably connected to the first rail on one side of the width and having a second rail extending at least partially along another side of the width and beyond a periphery of a body portion of the second modular segment, a third modular segment having a width and slidably connected to the second rail on one side of the width and wherein the device has an expanded position and an implanted position in which the modular segments are combined to mimic the shape of the vertebra.

Abstract: The invention is a modular interbody fusion device for fusing adjacent spinal vertebrae that is adapted to be implanted in a prepared interbody space including a first modular segment having a width including a first rail extending at least partially along one side of the width and beyond a periphery of a body portion of the first modular segment, a second modular segment having a width and slidably connected to the first rail on one side of the width and having a second rail extending at least partially along another side of the width and beyond a periphery of a body portion of the second modular segment, a third modular segment having a width and slidably connected to the second rail on one side of the width and wherein the device has an expanded position in which the second and third modular segments are extended along the first and second rails and positioned in a generally end to end configuration spaced apart by the rails prior to implantation and an implanted position in which the modular segments are

Abstract: The present invention is an intervertebral disc replacement for replacing a disc between a first vertebra and a second vertebra including an upper containment structure adapted to contact a lower surface of a first vertebra, a lower containment structure adapted to contact an upper surface of a second vertebra, where the upper and lower containment structures are adapted to centrally contain a deformable support body positioned between the upper and lower containment structures.

Abstract: The invention includes an interpositional arthrosplasty implant adapted to be retained in position in apposition to ajoint surface, at least in part, by surrounding healthy tissue. In some embodiments the implant comprises a knee implant. The implant can include one or more structural features adapted to be fixedly positioned within and/or in apposition to the natural meniscus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing a damaged intervertebral disc nucleus in a minimally invasive manner utilizes a modular disc prosthesis. The modular disc prosthesis preferably comprises at least three modular segments. In one embodiment, each modular segment includes an inner core and an outer shell. The modular segments are selectively interlockable in situ with each other. The modular segments form an implanted unitary device that closely mimics the geometry of the disc nucleus cavity.

Abstract: A system for repairing an intervertebral disc by delivering and curing a biomaterial in situ within the disc. The system includes both a device, having an insertable balloon and related lumen, controls and adapters, as well as an in situ curable biomaterial (and related biomaterial delivery means). The system can allow the doctor to determine a suitable endpoint for biomaterial delivery, by controlling distraction and/or biomaterial delivery pressure, and in turn, to deliver a desired quantity of biomaterial to the balloon in order to achieve improved polymer cure and implant characteristics. Also provided is a related method for repairing an intervertebral disc by using such a system to deliver and cure the biomaterial in situ. The system can be used to implant a prosthetic total disc, or a prosthetic disc nucleus in a manner that leaves the surrounding disc tissue substantially intact.

Abstract: An interpositional arthroplasty system for use in repairing ginglymus joints such as the joints of the ankle, including a tibiotalar implant (124) that provides a first major surface (130) adapted to be positioned against a tibia (120) and a second major surface (132) adapted to be positioned against a talus (108) and a polymeric ankle implant that provides a first major surface adapted to be positioned against a talus and a second major surface adapted to be positioned against a calcaneus. Such an implant can be useful for correcting various deformities of an ankle, as well as increasing articulation of a joint. Also described are biomaterials, including polymeric biomaterials having use in preparing such implants, as well as surgical kits that include implants and other tools adapted for their use.

Abstract: A multi-composite disc prosthesis is adapted to be implanted within the annulus of an evacuated disc nucleus space in a human spine. The disc prosthesis has a generally solid unitary body with a size and a shape adapted to be positioned within the annulus of the evacuated disc nucleus space. The body has an outer portion comprised of a first biomaterial and an inner portion comprised of a second biomaterial. The second biomaterial has a compressive modulus that is harder than a compressive modulus of the first biomaterial and the first and second biomaterials are chemically or physically bonded to form a multi-composite material that forms the solid body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing a damaged intervertebral disc nucleus in a minimally invasive manner utilizes a modular disc prosthesis. The modular disc prosthesis preferably comprises at least three modular segments. In one embodiment, each modular segment includes an inner core and an outer shell. The modular segments are selectively interlockable in situ with each other. The modular segments form an implanted unitary device that closely mimics the geometry of the disc nucleus cavity.

Abstract: The invention can provide an implant for an upper extremity joint arthroplasty having a first polymeric portion adapted to be retained within a bone of the upper extremity and a second polymeric portion having an articulating surface adapted to articulate against an opposing bone. The invention can also provide methods of making and using such an implant.

Abstract: A method of treating a diseased or damaged intervertebral disc having a nucleus pulposus and an annulus. The method includes the steps of accessing and preparing the intervertebral disc for receipt of the biomaterial by removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create a nuclear cavity. A quantity of the curable biomaterial is delivered under pressure to the nuclear cavity. The delivered biomaterial is at least partially cured in such a manner to retain it in the nuclear cavity. The at least partially cured biomaterial is contoured to achieve a desired conformation approximating that of the nuclear cavity.

Abstract: A system for the creation or modification of an orthopedic joint within a mammalian body is disclosed. The system includes an implant (122, 132, 232, 332, 432) that provides a major surface adapted to be positioned against a metatarsal bone and an end (136, 236, 336, 436) adapted to be retained within a phalange.

Abstract: A method and system for the creation or modification of the wear surface of orthopedic joints, involving the preparation and use of one or more partially or fully preformed components adapted for insertion and placement into the body and at the joint site. The system includes a method and related components and/or devices in the form of a kit that can be used to provide or perform some or all of the steps of: a) preparing a joint to receive an implant, b) determining an appropriate implant size for a particular joint, c) determining an appropriate implant thickness, d) inserting the implant into the joint, and/or e) securing the implant within the joint to a desired extent. One or more of the various components and devices, including optionally one or more implants themselves, can be provided or packaged separately or in varying desired combinations and subcombinations to provide a kit of this invention.

Abstract: A method and system for preparing a bone surface, as by smoothing the surface, in preparation for contacting and/or receiving a prosthetic implant. The smoothing system and method are particularly well suited for use with articulating joints, in which a polymeric biomaterial such as polyurethane is implanted and retained upon one (supporting) bone surface, in order to provide a corresponding surface for opposing, articulating bone. Smoothing condylar bone, for instance, can significantly decrease the friction between a the condylar surface, and particularly one that is itself diseased or damaged, and to remove osteophytes and entheseophytes.

Abstract: A polymer intravascular stent that is resorable over a period of time containing a drug, which is delivered to the vascular wall during the absorption of the polymer material. A gradient of drug concentration may be established in the polymer.

Abstract: A method, and related composition and apparatus for repairing a tissue site. The method involves the use of a curable polyurethane biomaterial composition having a plurality of parts adapted to be mixed at the time of use in order to provide a flowable composition and to initiate cure. The flowable composition can be delivered using minimally invasive means to a tissue site and there fully cured provide a permanent and biocompatible prosthesis for repair of the tissue site. Further provided are a mold apparatus, e.g., in the form of a balloon or tubular cavity, for receiving a biomaterial composition, and a method for delivering and filling the mold apparatus with a curable composition in situ to provide a prosthesis for tissue repair.