Abstract: A method of loosening ingrown bone from an intervertebral implant using an ultrasonic instrument having a self tapping connector. The method comprises surgically accessing the intervertebral implant. The intervertebral implant includes first and second endplate assemblies and the first endplate assembly includes an unthreaded aperture. The method further comprises tapping the unthreaded aperture of the first endplate assembly with the self-tapping connector and passing an ultrasonic energy through the self tapping connector to the first endplate assembly. The method also comprises ultrasonically vibrating the first endplate assembly to break a first portion of the ingrown bone from the intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A surgical device for positioning a member and attaching the member within the patient. A first element comprises a shaft having a driver at distal end. A second element includes an internal bore extending through the length, and a coupler at a second end to attach to the member. The shaft is sized to fit within the bore with the driver end positioned adjacent to the member to affix a fastener. In use, the second element is attached to the member. The first element is inserted into the second element and may be used as a striking instrument to affix the member within the patient. The second element is then used as a guide for positioning a fastener relative to the member, and the driver of the first element is used to mount the fastener to the bone and attach the member.

Abstract: A comprehensive modular implant system is provided that is especially adapted for limb preservation. The modular components of the system can be combined to perform proximal, distal, mid-shaft, or total long bone replacement. Each replacement component is connected by a Morse taper engagement. The Morse taper engagement can be augmented by interlocking anti-rotation features between adjacent components. Certain components are configured to form part of a skeletal joint, while other components are configured for engagement within existing portions of the long bone. A number of segmental components operate as spacers for spanning the length of a removed section of bone. Certain segmental components are provided in several lengths, with one group of lengths increasing in 5 mm increments. Combinations of the segmental components can accommodate replacement lengths from 25 mm to 170 mm in 5 mm increments.

Abstract: An assembly is used for preparing an intervertebral disc space between a pair of vertebral bodies to receive a prosthesis. The assembly comprises a distractor having a first distracting arm and a second distracting arm. The assembly further comprises a first anchoring fastener for movably coupling the first distracting arm to a first one of the vertebral bodies. The first anchoring device is able to rotate relative to the first distracting arm.

Abstract: An assembly for preparing an intervertebral disc space between a first vertebra and a second vertebra to receive a prosthesis comprises a distractor having a first distraction arm and a second distraction arm. The assembly further includes a first anchoring device attached to both the first distraction arm and the first vertebra and a second anchoring device attached to both the second distraction arm and the second vertebra. In this assembly, the first anchoring device moves independently of the second anchoring device.