Abstract: A spinal fusion clamp implant that connects two vertebra, preferably the C1 and C2 vertebra. The clamp implant includes a clamp assembly that connects to the C1 vertebra. The clamp assembly includes at least one superior jaw and at least one inferior jaw. The superior jaw and the inferior jaw are opposedly arranged and clamp onto posterior arch of the C1 vertebra. The clamp implant also includes an implant assembly that connects to the implant used in C2, and a connection system that connects the clamp assembly with said C2 implant assembly.

Abstract: A spinal implant configured to connect to a vertebra. The spinal implant comprises a ball and socket joint allowing poly-axial movement. The ball and socket joint includes a socket having a multiple radius tear drop geometry with a larger radius and a smaller radius, so that the ball can move freely within the larger radius of the socket until it is seated into the smaller radius of the socket upon locking of the ball and socket joint.

Abstract: A spinal fusion clamp implant that connects two vertebra, preferably the C1 and C2 vertebra. The clamp implant includes a clamp assembly that connects to the C1 vertebra. The clamp assembly includes at least one superior jaw and at least one inferior jaw. The superior jaw and the inferior jaw are opposedly arranged and clamp onto posterior arch of the C1 vertebra. The clamp implant also includes an implant assembly that connects to the implant used in C2, and a connection system that connects the clamp assembly with said C2 implant assembly.

Abstract: A spinal fusion clamp implant that connects two vertebra, preferably the C1 and C2 vertebra. The clamp implant includes a clamp assembly that connects to the C1 vertebra. The clamp assembly includes at least one superior jaw and at least one inferior jaw. The superior jaw and the inferior jaw are opposedly arranged and clamp onto posterior arch of the C1 vertebra. The clamp implant also includes an implant assembly that connects to the implant used in C2, and a connection system that connects the clamp assembly with said C2 implant assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial synovial fluid composition that mimics the tribological and biochemical properties of human, osteoarthritic synovial fluid for in vitro testing of implantable materials. The artificial synovial fluid comprises new-born calf serum or alpha-calf serum (iron-free or iron-supplemented) that contains a specific total protein concentration, specific protein constituent fractions (albumin, ?-1 globulin, ?-2 globulin, ?-globulin, and ?-globulin), specific trace element concentrations (Ca, Mg, inorganic P, and Fe), and a specific low-molecular weight peptide concentration important for in vitro testing of implantable materials. In addition, the artificial synovial fluid contains a hyaluronic acid concentration and level of osmolality (preferably using phosphate buffered-saline solution) to mimic the thermal stability (transition mid-point temperature, enthalpy, and entropy) and pH level as measured clinically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial synovial fluid composition that mimics the tribological properties of human, osteoarthritic synovial fluid (SF) for the main purpose of in vitro wear testing. There is described an artificial synovial fluid composition comprising: a) a mammalian serum having i) a total protein concentration of from about 10 to about 45 g/L; ii) an albumin fraction of from about 55% to about 80% w/w %; iii) an ?-1 globulin fraction of from about 3% to about 6% w/w %; iv) an ?-2 globulin fraction of from about 5% to about 10% w/w %; v) a ?-globulin fraction of from about 3% to about 20% w/w %; vi) a ?-globulin fraction of from about 5% to about 20% w/w %; vii) a calcium (Ca) concentration of from about 0.1 mmol/L to about 3 mmol/L; viii) a magnesium (Mg) concentration of from about 0.05 mmol/L to about 0.8 mmol/L; ix) an inorganic phosphate (P) concentration of from about 0.1 mmol/L to about 1.5 mmol/L; x) an iron (Fe) concentration of from about 0.001 mmol/L to about 0.

Abstract: A ball (14) and cup (18) prosthesis is provided with articulating metal surfaces (25, 24), the surfaces (25, 24) having an area of intimate contact (.theta.) in which the surfaces (25, 24) are formed on radii (R.sub.3, R.sub.1) which differ by at most 50 micrometers. The area of intimate contact (.theta.) has a surface area that ranges from 0.12 .pi.R.sub.3.sup.2 to 1.65 .pi.R.sub.3.sup.2, and the centerline average surface roughness of the metal articulating surfaces (25, 24) in the area of intimate contact (.theta.) preferably is not greater than 0.1 micrometers.