Abstract: An implant is disclosed. The implant has a base including an extension arm cavity and a ratchet block cavity that intersects the extension arm cavity, an extension arm that is movably disposed in the extension arm cavity, and a ratchet block that is movably disposed between a first position and a second position in the ratchet block cavity. The ratchet block when disposed in the first position allows movement of the extension arm in an upward direction out of the extension arm cavity and blocks movement of the extension arm in a downward direction into the extension arm cavity. The ratchet block when disposed in the second position allows movement of the extension arm both in the upward direction out of the extension arm cavity and the downward direction into the extension arm cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to attach a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fastener including an anchor and a polyaxial head rotatably attached to the anchor, the anchor configured to be fastened to the first vertebral body, and an anchor assembly configured to be received in an aperture of the second vertebral body. The anchor assembly is configured to be received in a head aperture of the polyaxial head. The polyaxial head has three rotational degrees of freedom relative to the anchor based on the rotatable attachment of the polyaxial head to the anchor.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes providing a plurality of blades, movably connecting the plurality of blades to an outer member via a plurality of arm members, disposing the plurality of blades in a human or animal body, and moving the plurality of blades from a first position outward to a second position when the plurality of blades are disposed in the human or animal body. The plurality of blades are disposed further from each other in the second position than the first position. Moving the plurality of blades outward from the first position to the second position includes moving the plurality of arm members. Moving the plurality of blades includes maintaining equidistance between the plurality of blades as the plurality of blades move from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An implant is disclosed. The implant has a base including an extension arm cavity and a ratchet block cavity that intersects the extension arm cavity, an extension arm that is movably disposed in the extension arm cavity, and a ratchet block that is movably disposed between a first position and a second position in the ratchet block cavity. The ratchet block when disposed in the first position allows movement of the extension arm in an upward direction out of the extension arm cavity and blocks movement of the extension arm in a downward direction into the extension arm cavity. The ratchet block when disposed in the second position allows movement of the extension arm both in the upward direction out of the extension arm cavity and the downward direction into the extension arm cavity.

Abstract: An implant is disclosed. The implant has a first endplate, a second endplate, a base disposed between the first endplate and the second endplate, a plurality of adjustment arms operably connecting the base with the first endplate and the second endplate, and a plurality of pins disposed on at least one of the first endplate and the second endplate. The plurality of pins have different lengths. The plurality of adjustment arms are rotatably connected to a plurality of hubs that are axially slidable on at least some of the plurality of pins.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to prosthetic spinal implants. Specifically, the present invention relates to a compliant implant for spinal intervertebral disc replacement.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a spinal implant configured to expand both vertically and laterally at the same time when wedges coupled by a threaded post drive movable spinal implant endplates radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the threaded post, displacing the wedges and expanding the implant as the threaded post turns. In an illustrative example, the wedges may be a pair of wedges configured with dual inclined planes. The inclined planes may be, for example, disposed both vertically and laterally with respect to the threaded post longitudinal axis, permitting implant expansion both vertically and laterally simultaneously. In some examples, the wedges may be cones. Some embodiments may include an aligning support. In some samples, the aligning support is a pair of rails adapted to prevent rotation of the wedges.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a prosthetic spinal disc for replacing a damaged disc between two vertebrae of a spine. The present invention also relates to prosthetic spinal disc designs that have interlocking components.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an orthopedic implant. Specifically, the present invention relates to an implant that incorporates a purposefully designed material that optimizes bony ingrowth combined with a support material configured to provide structural integrity.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a prosthetic spinal disc for replacing a damaged disc between two vertebrae of a spine. The present invention also relates to prosthetic spinal disc designs that have interlocking components.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a prosthetic spinal disc for replacing a damaged or degenerated disc between two vertebrae of a spine. The present invention also relates to prosthetic spinal disc designs that have either or both interlocking and magnetic components.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an expandable interbody implant. Specifically, the present invention is an expandable interbody implant having an anterior and posterior wedge and opposing endplates. In some embodiments, a slot parallel to the wedge face may be located on each endplate, with a pin holding the endplates to the respective wedges. Additionally, in some implementations, lateral rails may extend from the anterior wedge to the posterior wedge. Furthermore, the expandable implant may include a locking mechanism configured to prevent unwanted collapse.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a retractor. Specifically, this invention relates to a malleable retractor designed to retract soft tissue and create a surgical opening to provide visualization of and access to the spine.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a spinal implant configured to expand both vertically and laterally at the same time when wedges coupled by a threaded post drive movable spinal implant endplates radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the threaded post, displacing the wedges and expanding the implant as the threaded post turns. In an illustrative example, the wedges may be a pair of wedges configured with dual inclined planes. The inclined planes may be, for example, disposed both vertically and laterally with respect to the threaded post longitudinal axis, permitting implant expansion both vertically and laterally simultaneously. In some examples, the wedges may be cones. Some embodiments may include a lock adapted to prevent the threaded post from turning. Various examples may advantageously provide improved stability and reduced subsidence, based on increased vertebral body contact area with an implant expanded in place to the desired height and width.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a retractor. Specifically, this invention relates to a malleable retractor designed to retract soft tissue and create a surgical opening to provide visualization of and access to the spine.

Abstract: An example, described herein, involves monitoring an operating input of a vehicle; determining a turning maneuver is to be performed by the vehicle with a decreased turn radius based on the operating input; determining that a transmission of the vehicle is to be downshifted to a low gear to enable the vehicle to perform the turning maneuver; and downshifting the transmission to the low gear.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a spinal implant configured to expand both vertically and laterally at the same time when wedges coupled by a threaded post drive movable spinal implant endplates radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the threaded post, displacing the wedges and expanding the implant as the threaded post turns. In an illustrative example, the wedges may be a pair of wedges configured with dual inclined planes. The inclined planes may be, for example, disposed both vertically and laterally with respect to the threaded post longitudinal axis, permitting implant expansion both vertically and laterally simultaneously. In some examples, the wedges may be cones. Some embodiments may include an aligning support. In some samples, the aligning support is a pair of rails adapted to prevent rotation of the wedges.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a spinal implant configured to expand both vertically and laterally at the same time when wedges coupled by a threaded post drive movable spinal implant endplates radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the threaded post, displacing the wedges and expanding the implant as the threaded post turns. In an illustrative example, the wedges may be a pair of wedges configured with dual inclined planes. The inclined planes may be, for example, disposed both vertically and laterally with respect to the threaded post longitudinal axis, permitting implant expansion both vertically and laterally simultaneously. In some examples, the wedges may be cones. Some embodiments may include a lock adapted to prevent the threaded post from turning. Various examples may advantageously provide improved stability and reduced subsidence, based on increased vertebral body contact area with an implant expanded in place to the desired height and width.

Abstract: A latch mechanism is disclosed. The latch mechanism has a first member, and a second member that is rotatable relative to the first member, the second member being rotatable in a first direction between a first position and a second position. The second member contacts the first member and is received by the first member when the second member is in the second position. The first member includes a shape memory alloy portion. The shape memory alloy portion is movable between a first shape when in a first state and a second shape when in a second state. The shape memory alloy portion moves from the first shape to the second shape based on a temperature of the shape memory alloy portion exceeding a threshold transition temperature of the shape memory alloy portion.