Abstract: The present application is directed to the field of implants comprising soft tissue for use in implantation in humans. The soft tissue implants of the present application are preferably obtained from xenograft sources. The present application provides a chemical process that sterilizes, removes antigens from and/or strengthens xenograft implants. The present techniques yield soft tissue implants having superior structural, mechanical, and/or biochemical integrity. The present application is also directed to processes for treating xenograft implants comprising soft tissues such as dermis, and to implants produced by such processes.

Abstract: An inflatable globe has a generally round shape and an attachment pin, plug or other closure mechanism coupled to the top of the inflatable globe. A topper is configured to fit over the attachment pin, plug or other closure mechanism. A hanger is threaded through the attachment pin, plug or closure mechanism and then through the topper. An electric light coupled to the plug is suspended inside the globe. The inflatable globe is made of a resilient polymer material and can be monochromatic or comprise a plurality of colors.

Abstract: A driving instrument for adjusting a spinal implant includes an outer shaft having a distal end configured to actuate a proximal adjustment assembly of a spinal implant, and an inner shaft having a distal end configured to actuate a distal adjustment assembly of the spinal implant. The inner shaft is disposed within the outer shaft, with a proximal end of the inner shaft extending proximally from the outer shaft. The proximal end is configured to be rotated such that rotation of the inner shaft results in simultaneous rotation of the inner and outer shafts, with rotation of the outer shaft ceasing at a first value of resistance associated with the proximal adjustment assembly and rotation of the inner shaft ceasing at a second value of resistance associated with the distal adjustment assembly such that cessation of rotation of the inner shaft is independent from cessation of rotation of the outer shaft.

Abstract: A spinal implant is provided and includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis. The body portion includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, opposed side surfaces that extend between the distal and proximal end portions, and top and bottom surfaces configured and adapted to engage vertebral bodies. The top and bottom surfaces have a surface roughness between 3-4 ?m. A cavity extends through the top and bottom surfaces defining a surface area that is at least 25% of a surface area of the top surface or the bottom surface. First orifices are defined through the top surface and second orifices are defined through the bottom surface. The second orifices are connected to the first orifices by a plurality of channel.

Abstract: A driving instrument for adjusting a spinal implant includes an outer shaft having a distal end configured to actuate a proximal adjustment assembly of a spinal implant, and an inner shaft having a distal end configured to actuate a distal adjustment assembly of the spinal implant. The inner shaft is disposed within the outer shaft, with a proximal end of the inner shaft extending proximally from the outer shaft. The proximal end is configured to be rotated such that rotation of the inner shaft results in simultaneous rotation of the inner and outer shafts, with rotation of the outer shaft ceasing at a first value of resistance associated with the proximal adjustment assembly and rotation of the inner shaft ceasing at a second value of resistance associated with the distal adjustment assembly such that cessation of rotation of the inner shaft is independent from cessation of rotation of the outer shaft.

Abstract: An interbody spacer is provided including a body portion defining a longitudinal axis. The body portion includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, opposed side surfaces that extend between the distal and proximal end portions, and top and bottom surfaces configured and adapted to engage vertebral bodies. The interbody spacer includes first orifices defined through the top surface. The first orifices include orifices having first and second cross-sectional configurations and the first orifices are arranged in rows extending along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A driving instrument for adjusting a spinal implant includes an outer shaft having a distal end configured to actuate a proximal adjustment assembly of a spinal implant, and an inner shaft having a distal end configured to actuate a distal adjustment assembly of the spinal implant. The inner shaft is disposed within the outer shaft, with a proximal end of the inner shaft extending proximally from the outer shaft. The proximal end is configured to be rotated such that rotation of the inner shaft results in simultaneous rotation of the inner and outer shafts, with rotation of the outer shaft ceasing at a first value of resistance associated with the proximal adjustment assembly and rotation of the inner shaft ceasing at a second value of resistance associated with the distal adjustment assembly such that cessation of rotation of the inner shaft is independent from cessation of rotation of the outer shaft.

Abstract: A spinal implant has proximal and distal regions, and includes upper and lower bodies. A proximal adjustment assembly is disposed between the upper and lower bodies in the proximal region of the spinal implant and is adjustably coupled to the upper and lower bodies, and a distal adjustment assembly is disposed between the upper and lower bodies in the distal region of the spinal implant and is adjustably coupled to the upper and lower bodies. The proximal and distal adjustment assemblies are independently movable with respect to each other, both concurrently and alternately, to change a vertical height of at least one of the proximal or distal regions of the spinal implant. A set screw is removably disposed within the proximal region of the spinal implant to lock the vertical height of the proximal and distal regions of the spinal implant.

Abstract: A vertebral plate includes a top and bottom surface, a plurality of orifices defined through at least one of the top and bottom surfaces, and a plurality of bone screw openings defined through the top and bottom surfaces. The plurality of orifices defined through the top surface includes a different cross-section than a plurality of orifices defined through the bottom surface. A vertebral plate system and a method of use are also provided.

Abstract: A composting apparatus comprises a bin, an access panel, an aerator, a water content sensor, a valve, and a composting controller. The bin stores organic materials and compost therein. The access panel, disposed over an opening within the bin, allows access to an interior of the bin. The aerator, disposed within the bin, allows air into the bin to aerate the organic materials and compost therein. The water content sensor, disposed within the bin, senses a quantity of water within the organic materials and compost within the bin. The valve, coupled to a water line, controls a quantity of water added to the bin. The composting controller, coupled to the water content sensor and the water valve, actuates the water valve to control a quantity of water added to the bin based on the sensed quantity of water within the organic materials and compost.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an intervertebral trial includes a front surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface and a second side surface that collectively define an internal space. The internal space includes at least one marker structure attached to at least one of the top surface, the bottom surface, the first side surface and the second side surface. The at least one marker structure indicates a dimension of the intervertebral trial. Additionally, the at least one marker structure is spatially representative of the dimension when measured relative to one of the front surface, the top surface, the bottom surface, the first side surface or the second side surface.

Abstract: An interbody spacer is provided including a body portion defining a longitudinal axis. The body portion includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, opposed side surfaces that extend between the distal and proximal end portions, and top and bottom surfaces configured and adapted to engage vertebral bodies. The interbody spacer includes first orifices defined through the top surface. The first orifices include orifices having first and second cross-sectional configurations and the first orifices are arranged in rows extending along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An interbody spacer is provided including a body portion defining a longitudinal axis. The body portion includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, opposed side surfaces that extend between the distal and proximal end portions, and top and bottom surfaces configured and adapted to engage vertebral bodies. The interbody spacer includes first orifices defined through the top surface. The first orifices include orifices having first and second cross-sectional configurations and the first orifices are arranged in rows extending along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A spinal implant is provided and includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis. The body portion includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, opposed side surfaces that extend between the distal and proximal end portions, and top and bottom surfaces configured and adapted to engage vertebral bodies. The top and bottom surfaces have a surface roughness between 3-4 ?m. A cavity extends through the top and bottom surfaces defining a surface area that is at least 25% of a surface area of the top surface or the bottom surface. First orifices are defined through the top surface and second orifices are defined through the bottom surface. The second orifices are connected to the first orifices by a plurality of channel.

Abstract: A spinal implant is provided and includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis. The body portion includes a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, opposed side surfaces that extend between the distal and proximal end portions, and top and bottom surfaces configured and adapted to engage vertebral bodies. The top and bottom surfaces have a surface roughness between 3-4 ?m. A cavity extends through the top and bottom surfaces defining a surface area that is at least 25% of a surface area of the top surface or the bottom surface. First orifices are defined through the top surface and second orifices are defined through the bottom surface. The second orifices are connected to the first orifices by a plurality of channel.

Abstract: A vertebral plate includes a top and bottom surface, a plurality of orifices defined through at least one of the top and bottom surfaces, and a plurality of bone screw openings defined through the top and bottom surfaces. The plurality of orifices defined through the top surface includes a different cross-section than a plurality of orifices defined through the bottom surface. A vertebral plate system and a method of use are also provided.

Abstract: A spinal implant has proximal and distal regions, and includes upper and lower bodies. A proximal adjustment assembly is disposed between the upper and lower bodies in the proximal region of the spinal implant and is adjustably coupled to the upper and lower bodies, and a distal adjustment assembly is disposed between the upper and lower bodies in the distal region of the spinal implant and is adjustably coupled to the upper and lower bodies. The proximal and distal adjustment assemblies are independently movable with respect to each other, both concurrently and alternately, to change a vertical height of at least one of the proximal or distal regions of the spinal implant. A set screw is removably disposed within the proximal region of the spinal implant to lock the vertical height of the proximal and distal regions of the spinal implant.

Abstract: An adjustable spinal implant includes a fixed segment that slidably supports a locking segment and pivotally supports an upper segment and a lower segment relative to one another. The locking segment translates within a channel defined by the fixed segment between locked and unlocked positions. In the locked position, the upper and lower segments are fixed relative to one another and to the fixed segment. In the unlocked position, the upper and lower segments are pivotal relative to one another and to the fixed segment. The adjustable spinal implant includes a locking mechanism including a locking screw to translate the locking segment between locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A spinal implant has proximal and distal regions, and includes upper and lower bodies. A proximal adjustment assembly is disposed between the upper and lower bodies in the proximal region of the spinal implant and is adjustably coupled to the upper and lower bodies, and a distal adjustment assembly is disposed between the upper and lower bodies in the distal region of the spinal implant and is adjustably coupled to the upper and lower bodies. The proximal and distal adjustment assemblies are independently movable with respect to each other, both concurrently and alternately, to change a vertical height of at least one of the proximal or distal regions of the spinal implant. A set screw is removably disposed within the proximal region of the spinal implant to lock the vertical height of the proximal and distal regions of the spinal implant.

Abstract: A spinal implant configured for positioning within a space between adjacent vertebral bodies includes first and second bone screws and a body. The body includes a back surface having first and second openings for receiving the first and second screws. The first and second openings are configured for orientation towards opposing vertebral bodies. The body further includes first and second side surfaces extending from opposing ends of the back surface and first and second end surfaces extending from respective first and second side surfaces, wherein the ends of the first and second end surfaces meet and define an atraumatic nose. A first angle is formed between the first side surface and the first end surface that is different than a second angle that is formed between the second side surface and the first end surface. A method using same is also disclosed.