Abstract: An expandable spinal implant including at least two expandable branch portions extending generally along a longitudinal axis and each including a fixed end portion and an opposite movable end portion with the fixed end portions coupled together adjacent a base portion of the implant. A first of the branch portions includes at least one transverse projection having opposite axially-facing outer surfaces. A second of the branch portions defines at least one transverse recess having opposing axially-facing inner surfaces. The transverse projection is positioned within and displacable along the transverse recess with the outer surfaces of the projection positioned in close proximity with the inner surfaces of the recess to provide structural support to the implant subsequent to expansion. In one embodiment, the branch portions are separated from one another by at least one slot including a narrow portion that defines the close fitting transverse projection and transverse recess.

Abstract: A posterior arch prosthesis according to the present invention includes a main body, two transverse protuberances extending transversely from either side of the main body, articulating surfaces formed on each of the transverse protuberances, and a posterior protuberance extending posteriorly from the main body. The posterior protuberance is attached to a first vertebra from which the natural posterior arch has been removed such that the articulating surfaces are arranged in articulating contact with surfaces on an adjacent, second vertebra. The posterior protuberance includes an attachment to which native structure may be reattached upon attachment of the prosthesis to the first vertebra.

Abstract: An inter-transverse process spacer system comprises a first spacer device. The first spacer device comprises opposing end portions. The first spacer device is adapted for insertion between a first pair of adjacent transverse processes, and the opposing end portions of the first spacer device are adapted to engage the first pair of adjacent transverse processes. The inter-transverse process spacer system further comprises a first connection device connected to the first spacer device and adapted to engage at least one of the first pair of adjacent transverse processes.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant including at least two expandable branch portions extending generally along a longitudinal axis and each including a fixed end portion and an opposite movable end portion with the fixed end portions coupled together adjacent a base portion of the implant. A first of the branch portions includes at least one transverse projection having opposite axially-facing outer surfaces. A second of the branch portions defines at least one transverse recess having opposing axially-facing inner surfaces. The transverse projection is positioned within and displacable along the transverse recess with the outer surfaces of the projection positioned in close proximity with the inner surfaces of the recess to provide structural support to the implant subsequent to expansion. In one embodiment, the branch portions are separated from one another by at least one slot including a narrow portion that defines the close fitting transverse projection and transverse recess.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant including at least two expandable branch portions extending generally along a longitudinal axis and each including a fixed end portion and an opposite movable end portion with the fixed end portions coupled together adjacent a base portion of the implant. A first of the branch portions includes at least one transverse projection having opposite axially-facing outer surfaces. A second of the branch portions defines at least one transverse recess having opposing axially-facing inner surfaces. The transverse projection is positioned within and displacable along the transverse recess with the outer surfaces of the projection positioned in close proximity with the inner surfaces of the recess to provide structural support to the implant subsequent to expansion. In one embodiment, the branch portions are separated from one another by at least one slot including a narrow portion that defines the close fitting transverse projection and transverse recess.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to devices, systems, and/or methods for delivery (e.g., controlled delivery) of a pharmaceutical to a subject's spine. For example, the disclosure relates to implants that provide both a mechanical function and a pharmacological function. According to some embodiments, a spinal implant may comprise a rigid spinal implant body having one or more recesses, one or more layers in each of the one or more recesses, each of the one or more layers comprising a biocompatible material and a pharmaceutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical compound; and at least one biocompatible cap in each of the one or more recesses. An implant may further comprise biocompatible barriers interspersed between the layers.

Abstract: A vertebral implant for insertion into a patient includes a tubular member extending along a longitudinal axis and includes a first region comprised of a shape-memory material. The first region includes a first longitudinal height when the implant is maintained at a temperature below a threshold temperature. The first region includes a second longitudinal height when the implant is maintained at a temperature at or above the threshold temperature. The tubular member further includes a second region with a third longitudinal height regardless of whether the implant is maintained above or below the threshold temperature. The second region may be constructed of the same shape-memory material. The second region may be disposed at an end of the tubular member. Bone-growth materials may be packed into the ends of the tubular member. End pieces may be coupled to the ends of the tubular member.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an implantable device for the closure and/or repair of a spinal defect (e.g., posterior annular defects) and/or preventing recurring herniation. An implantable medical device, in some embodiments, may be coated or impregnated with a releasable pharmaceutical compound. Accordingly, some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to compositions that include one or more pharmaceutical compounds. In addition, some embodiments of the disclosure relate to methods for making and using compositions and medical implants. A spinal implant may include, for example, a scaffold having a substantially planar surface; and a plurality of tails, each of which has a first end that is attached to the scaffold and a second end that is configured and arranged to be threaded through a respective perforation in a vertical body, wherein the scaffold comprises a pharmaceutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical agent.

Abstract: A posterior arch prosthesis according to the present invention includes a main body, two transverse protuberances extending transversely from either side of the main body, articulating surfaces formed on each of the transverse protuberances, and a posterior protuberance extending posteriorly from the main body. The posterior protuberance is attached to a first vertebra from which the natural posterior arch has been removed such that the articulating surfaces are arranged in articulating contact with surfaces on an adjacent, second vertebra. The posterior protuberance includes an attachment to which native structure may be reattached upon attachment of the prosthesis to the first vertebra.

Abstract: Interior connecting interbody cage insertional tools, methods and devices are provided wherein the same can be utilized for making placement of interbody cages more accurate, safer and less likely to violate the structural integrity of the interbody cage while providing support to a leading end of the cage as the leading end re-capitulates or distracts the disc space as the cage is inserted.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for implanting a vertebral body spacer. A lateral surgical approach is contemplated with some disclosed procedures. Instruments of some embodiments are insertable into a disc space to achieve distraction, to determine a desired disc space height, and to select a corresponding implant.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for posterior placement in an intervertebral space defined between an upper vertebrae and a lower vertebrae may include an upper articular portion configured to be at least partially disposed in the intervertebral space and a lower articular portion configured to be at least partially disposed in the intervertebral space below the upper articular portion, the upper and lower articular portions being configured to provide articulating motion to the upper and lower vertebrae. The upper and lower articular portions each may include a posterior section configured to be disposed in a location posterior of the intervertebral space. The posterior section of one of the upper and lower articular portions may include a post, and the posterior section of the other of the upper and lower articular portions may include a receiving portion configured to interact with the post during articulation.

Abstract: Instruments and techniques for implanting non-rigid implants are provided that include positively engaging the implant between distal and proximal ends of the implant at least adjacent the distal end of the insertion instrument while deploying the implant longitudinally and distally from the insertion instrument.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for insertion into an intervertebral space may include a first articulating element formed of a ceramic material and a second articulating element configured to cooperate with the first articulating element to permit articulating motion. The second articulating element also may be formed of a ceramic material. A first polymer component may be joined to the first articulating element at a first ceramic-polymer interface and a second polymer component may be joined to the second articulating element at a second ceramic-polymer interface. A method of manufacturing the disc is also disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant including an implant body transitionable between an initial configuration and an expanded configuration, and having first and second axial walls spaced apart along a transverse axis with at least one of the walls defining a recessed region when the implant body is in the initial configuration. An expansion member co-acts with the axial wall to transition the implant body to the expanded configuration wherein the recessed region is outwardly expanded generally along the transverse axis. In another embodiment, the expansion member includes a first portion that is displaced along an axially extending slot formed in one of the walls, and a second portion that is displaced between the walls to transition the implant body to the expanded configuration. In a further embodiment, the first portion of the expansion member defines a passage extending therethrough having an inner transverse dimension sized larger than an outer transverse dimension of the second portion.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant including an implant body transitionable between an initial configuration and an expanded configuration. The implant body includes first and second axial walls spaced apart along a transverse axis, with at least one of the walls including first and second axial wall portions laterally offset from one another. An expansion member co-acts with the first wall portion to outwardly displace the first wall portion relative to the second wall portion to transition the implant body to the expanded configuration. In another embodiment, the first wall portion defines a recessed region relative to the second wall portion when the implant body is in the initial configuration, and wherein the recessed region is outwardly expanded as the implant body is transitioned to the expanded configuration. In a further embodiment, the first wall portion is movable while the second wall portion remains substantially stationary.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for compressing a shape memory material implant to be implanted in a patient. The apparatus in some embodiments includes opposing dies, an actuator, and a uniformity controller. The opposing dies are configured to grasp the shape memory material implant, when placed therebetween. The actuator actuates the opposing dies toward each other to compress the shape memory material implant. The uniformity controller of some embodiments provides uniform compression of a given type of shape memory material implant.

Abstract: A method of decompressing a facet joint comprises forming an opening in a facet capsule of the facet joint and inserting a spacer device through the opening into the facet capsule.

Abstract: An inter-transverse process spacer system comprises a first spacer device. The first spacer device comprises opposing end portions. The first spacer device is adapted for insertion between a first pair of adjacent transverse processes, and the opposing end portions of the first spacer device are adapted to engage the first pair of adjacent transverse processes. The inter-transverse process spacer system further comprises a first connection device connected to the first spacer device and adapted to engage at least one of the first pair of adjacent transverse processes.

Abstract: A system for augmenting a spinal joint comprises a first flexible stabilizing device adapted to extend through a pedicle of a first vertebra, at least a portion of a vertebral body of the first vertebra, at least a portion of a vertebral body of a second vertebra, and a pedicle of the second vertebra.