Abstract: An orthopedic implant comprising a metallic substrate coated with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) layer, and a layer of a polymeric material placed over the DLC layer that is less stiff than the substrate, and methods of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dynamic fixation system for engaging, via bone fixation elements, one or more parts of a patient's body. Preferably, the dynamic fixation system is used to engage one or more vertebrae for stabilizing the attached vertebrae with respect to one another while still permitting the vertebrae to move with respect to one another. The dynamic fixation system may include a first rod having first and second ends, a second rod having first and second ends, and a damping component and/or a damping mechanism for interconnecting the first and second rods. In one embodiment, the damping component is injection molded in-between the one of the ends of the first rod and one of the ends of the second rod so that the first and second rods are prevented from separating with respect to one another but are still permitted to move with respect to one another.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer having an upper layer, a lower layer and at least one non-planer compliant layer. The non-planer compliant layer is disposed between the lower layer and the upper layer and includes a portion that extends outside a lateral plane in which the compliant layer resides. The non-planar compliant layer made of a material that is more yielding than the upper layer and the lower layers, and may have a cross-section that is z-shaped, u-shaped, sinusoidal-shaped, zigzag shaped, etc.

Abstract: A method for fixation of an intervertebral implant includes the steps of: a) applying a spreading force to a first and second adjacent vertebral bodies; b) removing the intervertebral disc between the adjacent first and second vertebral bodies; c) inserting a shaft of the bone anchors into the vertebral bodies, and fixing a head of the bone anchors to an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant can include a pair of endplates between which is coupled a bag that is filled or is fillable with small beads or particles having smooth exterior geometries. The bead sack implant allows for articulation about various centers of rotation without a predefined neutral position.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an orthopedic implant comprising a metallic substrate coated with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) layer, and a layer of a polymeric material placed over the DLC layer that is less stiff than the substrate, and methods of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A dynamic cable system (11) for spanning two or more adjacent vertebrae V includes a longitudinal cable (12) having an inner cavity (12a) and at least one damping material (13) disposed within the inner cavity. Each of the vertebrae includes at least one bone fixation element (10) attached thereto. The bone fixation elements include a channel formed therein. The longitudinal cable is positionable within the channel and the longitudinal cable is a plait cable, a woven cable, a braided cable, a knitted cable, a twisted cable or a tube. The dynamic fixation system can include a first bone fixation element mounted to the first vertebra, a second bone fixation element mounted to the second vertebra, a first clamping sleeve (19) including a first bore (33), a second clamping sleeve including a second bore, the longitudinal cable having a first end, a second end, and an inner cavity, and the damping material disposed at least within the inner cavity.

Abstract: An interspinous process spacer for implantation in an interspinous space between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process includes a balloon-like body, a first deployable protrusion and a second deployable protrusion. The body has a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. The spacer is arrangeable in an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The first deployable protrusion is mounted proximate the proximal end and the second deployable protrusion is mounted proximate the distal end. The first and second deployable protrusions are oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis in the unexpanded configuration and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: An interspinous process spacer for implantation in an interspinous space between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process includes a balloon-like body, a first deployable protrusion and a second deployable protrusion. The body has a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. The spacer is arrangeable in an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The first deployable protrusion is mounted proximate the proximal end and the second deployable protrusion is mounted proximate the distal end. The first and second deployable protrusions are oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis in the unexpanded configuration and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: In a visual display of power transmission quality, at least three display regions are displayed. The display regions are a time-related, a location-related and a control-related display region. The time-related display region enables a selection of the time interval on the part of the user that is to be examined for a violation of one or more predetermined power quality rules.