Abstract: A method for producing a dental restoration structure (1) that is to be individually manufactured by 3D printing. The method includes the following steps: i.) placing a substructure (2) in a 3D printer (3), in particular on a support plate (4); ii.) determining at least one of the form and/or the position of the substructure (2) in the 3D printer (3); iii.) comparing the determined form and/or position of the substructure (2) with 3D data of the dental restoration structure (1) to be individually manufactured; optional applying a connecting layer to the substructure (2) and/or conditioning the substructure (2); and iv.) applying material, in particular application of a composite material, on the substructure (2) in a 3D printing method such that the dental restoration structure (1) that is to be individually manufactured is obtained.

Abstract: A dental device includes a mouthpiece configured to sit against occlusal surfaces of a patient's teeth and a motor connected to the mouthpiece. The motor is configured to vibrate the mouthpiece at a frequency between 60 and 120 Hz and an acceleration between 0.03 G and 0.06 G such that the mouthpiece places an axial vibratory force on the occlusal surfaces.

Abstract: An accessory allows for straight archwires to be converted to looped archwires. The accessory has an archwire receiving channel which is defined between a first elongated coupling member and a second elongated coupling member. The archwire receiving channel is used for crimping the accessory to an existing archwire. An elastically deformable bridge, connected between the first elongated coupling member and the second elongated coupling member, imparts retraction or protraction once activated. The elastically deformable bridge is formed from one or more segments. Curved segments and linear segments are possible, which can be combined to form various shapes, for example omega loops and mushroom shapes. The first coupling member and the second coupling member have an angled lower portion and upper portion to facilitate engagement with existing archwires. Anchoring notches can also be used in conjunction with elastic bands for enhanced orthodontic corrections.

Abstract: An orthodontic system having brackets with variably sized slots.

Abstract: The invention relates to a perfected orthodontic attachment comprising a base enabled to adhere to a tooth and two perpendicular walls on the base, separated and parallel to each other, and the inner space between them remains open at a size for the insertion of an orthodontic archwire perpendicular to the base, each one of the walls also having an extension in a perpendicular direction to the same and oriented toward the wall, the extensions of each wall in alternating positions with respect to each other and at a distance in relation to the base for the passage and presence of the same orthodontic archwire between the extension and the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection assembly for attaching a dental component to a dental implant, a dental component for the connection assembly and a method to use the connection assembly. The connection assembly (100; 1100; 2100; 3100) is removably attachable to the dental implant (10; 1010; 2010; 3010), preferably with the dental component (20; 1020; 2020; 3020) attached to the connection assembly, and a dental component is attachable to the connection assembly in a pre-fastened state or a fastened state. The pre-fastened state, when the connection assembly is attached to the dental implant, the connection assembly allows for adjustment of a relative position and/or orientation between the dental component and the dental implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an abutment attachment (100) which can be fastened on a jaw implant (101), comprising an opening (103) for inserting a fixing screw (105); and an adhesive base portion (107) for forming an adhesive base for an adhesive body (109) which is arranged laterally adjacent to the opening (103) and projects beyond the opening (103).

Abstract: A method for monitoring the shape of teeth including: producing a three-dimensional digital model of at least one portion of an arch of the patient or “initial reference model”; acquiring at least one two-dimensional image of the arches, referred to as “updated image”, under actual acquisition conditions; analysing each updated image and producing an updated map relating to a piece of discriminating information; optionally determining rough virtual acquisition conditions that approximate the actual acquisition conditions; searching each updated image for a final reference model corresponding to the shape of the teeth, and optionally to the positioning of the teeth, during the acquisition of the updated image; and comparing the shapes of the initial reference model and of the reference model obtained at the end of the preceding steps, referred to as “final reference model”, in order to determine the deformation and/or the movement of teeth between steps a) and b).

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus and method for storing and dispensing dental floss. In some examples, there is provided an apparatus for housing and dispensing dental floss, the apparatus comprising: a first compartment integrally formed with a second compartment; wherein the first compartment is configured, in use, to house dental floss; wherein the second compartment is configured, in use, to provide user access to a length of the stored dental floss for dispensement therefrom; wherein at least the second compartment is closed by a sealing member; and wherein at least a portion of the sealing member is configured to be detachable to provide user access to the interior of the second compartment so as to provide, in use, access to the length of the stored dental floss for dispensement.

Abstract: A prophy angle system includes a the prophy angle, a hand piece configured to drive a central shaft within the prophy angle, means within the hand piece for advancing at least one push rod from a distal end of the hand piece, and a paste cartridge configured to fit within the cavity of the prophy angle without interfering with rotation of the central shaft, the cartridge including a plunger positioned at a proximal end of the cartridge such that when the at least one push rod pushes against the plunger in a distal direction, paste may be dispensed distally through the cavity in the prophy angle and into the prophy cup.

Abstract: Provided is a cleaning device for personal cleaning and care, comprising a cleaning device housing detachably connected to a handle housing, a bracket for supporting the cleaning device, a cleaning element carrier and cleaning elements distributed on the cleaning element carrier, a passive assembly, and a cleaning device transducer.

Abstract: Prosthesis (1a) for repair of an inguinal hernia, intended to be implanted laparoscopically, comprising openwork fabric of biocompatible material, comprising a first surface, called parietal surface, intended to be placed facing biological tissues of the inguinal region, and a second surface, opposite the first surface, called peritoneal surface, intended to be placed facing the peritoneum, the peritoneal surface comprising, on a portion of the surface thereof, a first zone (6), provided with a non-stick coating, the parietal surface comprising, on a portion of the surface thereof, a second zone (7) provided with a non-stick coating.

Abstract: Vascular treatment devices and methods include a woven structure including a plurality of bulbs that may be self-expanding, a hypotube, for example including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs, and a bonding zone between the woven structure and the hypotube. The woven structure may include patterns of radiopaque filaments measurable under x-ray. Structures may be heat treated to include various shapes at different temperatures. The woven structure may be deployable to implant in a vessel. A catheter may include a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs and optionally a balloon. Laser cutting systems may include fluid flow systems.

Abstract: A vascular graft, comprising a biodegradable scaffold comprising: a biodegradable polyester electrospun tubular core; a biodegradable polyester outer sheath surrounding the biodegradable polyester tubular core; and a biodegradable poly(lactide) copolymer adhesive composition (i) disposed between the polyester electrospun tubular core and the polyester outer sheath, (ii) disposed between the polyester electrospun tubular core and the polyester outer sheath and on an outer surface of the polyester outer sheath, (iii) or disposed on an outer surface of the polyester outer sheath.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis is provided including an tubular graft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a main lumen disposed therein, the tubular graft comprising a first biocompatible material; a plurality of stents disposed about a surface of the tubular graft and arranged in longitudinally spaced rows; at least one aperture disposed through a sidewall of the tubular graft, the at least one aperture positioned between two longitudinally spaced rows of stents; a valve arrangement associated with the at least one aperture, the valve arrangement being secured to the graft about the at least one aperture; and, an outer liner connected to the tubular graft between the proximal end and the distal end and surrounding the valve arrangement. In some embodiments, the valve arrangement comprises a third biocompatible material having four sides, wherein three of the four sides are secured to the graft.

Abstract: A graft includes a biological graft. An embroidered textile supports the biological graft. Sutures attach the biological graft and the embroidered textile together.

Abstract: A bearing component 2 for a joint replacement prosthesis comprises a first bearing element 4; a second bearing element 6, and a linking element 8, operatively connecting the first and second bearing elements 4, 6 and permitting relative motion there between. The flexible linking element 8 prevents dislocation of mobile bearings in a total knee replacement prosthesis. The invention also relates to a bridging element which retains the linking element 8 with some play, which acts as a ligament support 2051, and which causes a deflection of the line of action of a ligament 1018. A joint replacement prosthesis is also disclosed comprising a biasing element 1140 or a tensioning element 1220 operatively coupled to the artificial ligament 1018. The biasing element 1140 or tensioning element 1220 may be housed in the stem of a tibia tray 1006.

Abstract: The Implantable holding device for acting on bones, in particular for ligament reconstruction and/or stabilization of a joint, includes a flexible loop member having a first end, a second end and a plurality of eyelets, and a support member configured to lie against a bone and including an attachment element. The loop member being braided to form bifurcating and converging portions which define the eyelets. The support member has a first attachment location for attachment of the first end of the loop member and a second attachment location for attaching the loop member by passing a portion of the attachment element through an eyelet.

Abstract: A suspensory fixation device has an elongated anchor member adapted to be transversely situated at the exit of a bone tunnel. A graft supporting loop member formed of a pair of parallel suture limbs extending from a bight portion is suspended transversely from the anchor member and has a loop length which is adjustable so the graft ligament can be supported in the bone tunnel at varying distances from the anchor member. When a graft ligament is attached to the saddle end of the loop member, the length may be shortened by pulling distally on the pair of limbs to pull the graft ligament into the bone tunnel. When tension is applied to the loop member by the graft pulling the loop proximally, the bight portion of the suture automatically locks the graft supporting loop member in place.

Abstract: Provided are rapidly cross-linkable silicone foam compositions, kits, and methods for filling implanted medical devices in situ or in vivo, the implanted medical devices, including for example, body implants and tissue expanders, the compositions including a platinum divinyl disiloxane complex; a low viscosity vinyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane; a low viscosity hydride terminated polydimethylsiloxane; a silicone cross-linker; and a gas and/or gas-filled microcapsules, where the rapidly cross-linkable silicone foam composition has a viscosity of ?150 cPs for ?1 min. post-preparation and ?300 cPs?5 min. post-preparation, at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A hook portion 4 is provided which is formed so as to extend from base portions 21a of the ciliary processes 21 along the outer surfaces of the ciliary processes 21 via anterior end portions 21b of the ciliary processes 21 to base portions 21c at the opposite side. A leg portion 3 extending from the hook portion 4 toward the visual axis C is connected to the hook portion 4, and a lens 2 to be mounted in the eye of the patient is supported by the leg portion 3. The lens 2 is held in the eye of the patient in a state where the hook portion 4 is hooked or fitted to the ciliary processes 21.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens implant is provided that is shaped so as to be assemblable into an assembled state in situ in a capsular bag of a human eye, and includes an anterior floating lens unit, which comprises an anterior lens; a posterior lens unit, which comprises a posterior lens; an anterior rim; levers, arranged to move the anterior floating lens unit toward and away from the anterior rim, in an anterior-posterior direction; and a circumferential rim, which is attached to the levers. The lens implant is arranged such that in the assemble state: elastic potential energy is stored in the lens implant as a result of deformation of the lens implant during a transition from a fully-accommodated state to a fully-unaccommodated state, and at least 50% of the elastic potential energy stored in the lens implant as the result of the deformation is stored in the circumferential rim.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparation of an intraocular lens assembly prior to insertion thereof into the eye of a patient including a pair of elongate extension assemblies each adapted for connection to an end of an haptic of the intraocular lens assembly and a method for preparation of an intraocular lens assembly prior to insertion thereof into the eye of a patient including providing a pair of elongate extension assemblies each adapted for connection to an end of an haptic of the intraocular lens assembly and connecting one of the pair of elongate extension assemblies to each haptic of the intraocular lens assembly.

Abstract: An implant system for capturing a regurgitant jet to effect preserving the atrioventricular pressure gradient and ventricular remodeling in a human heart including an expandable implant for positioning in the atrial/ventricular valve of the human heart and at least partially within the atrium and/or the ventricle, the expandable implant defining a first position for at least partially capturing the atrioventricular pressure gradient and regurgitant trans-valvular blood flow and associated driving forces during systole and a second position for steering flow from the atrium to the ventricle to enhance vorticular flow during diastole; a therapeutic apical base plate attachable to the apex of the heart; and a tethering conduit connected between the expandable implant and the therapeutic apical base plate assembly that transducts the energy and/or forces of captured regurgitant trans-valvular blood flow or atrioventricular pressure to the structures of the ventricle and the ventricular wall.

Abstract: Described is a prosthetic valve, comprising: an expandable stent including an inner lumen and having a first and a second end; and a spring attached to the first end of the expandable stent; wherein the expandable stent and the spring can expand radially to a desired diametric configuration in order to anchor the prosthetic valve at an implantation position in a body lumen. Related systems and methods.

Abstract: A transcatheter, percutaneously implantable, prosthetic heart valve is provided that comprises a lattice frame and two or more integrated cusp and leaflet folded structures attached to the lattice frame. The two or more integrated cusp and leaflet folded structures each comprise a flat sheet of biocompatible membrane that is folded to include a substantially conical shape according to a flat folding pattern. The substantially conical shape is further formed by joining apposing sides of the substantially conical shape along a seam. The two or more integrated cusp and leaflet folded structures are each attached along their respective seams to the lattice frame in a direction substantially parallel to an axis of the lattice frame. Embodiments of valves described herein have application within the entire vascular system.

Abstract: A replacement valve for replacing a damaged heart valve having a plurality of cusps separating an upstream region from a downstream region of a passage. The replacement valve includes a flexible band having biocompatible scaffolding sized for contact with a wall surrounding the passage in the patient's heart. The valve includes a resilient element attached to the flexible band for expanding the flexible band to contact the wall of the passage. The valve includes regenerative struts spaced around the flexible band. Each strut extends from an outboard end joined to an inward face of the flexible band to a central end. The central ends of the struts are joined together. The valve includes a flexible regenerative membrane joined to adjacent struts. The membrane extends outboard to an inward face of the band. An outboard edge of the membrane is free to move between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: An implant system for improving physiological cardiac flow in a human heart is provided including an inflatable implant for positioning at least partially within an atrium, a ventricle and a atrial/ventricular valve of the human heart and defining a surface for intercepting and redirecting hemodynamic flow into the ventricle, the inflatable implant defining a surface to engage the valve; a therapeutic apical base plate assembly attachable to the apex of the heart; and a tether connected between the inflatable implant and the therapeutic apical base plate assembly. The inflatable implant and the therapeutic apical base plate assembly are configured to reshape the ventricular wall by transducting cardiac force and/or energy generated by the heart during systole and diastole when the inflatable implant is engaged with the valve and of the therapeutic apical base plate assembly is attached to the apex.

Abstract: A quick-connect heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted is provided. The heart valve includes a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve and a plastically-expandable coupling stent, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. A small number of guide sutures may be provided for aortic valve orientation. The prosthetic valve may be a commercially available valve with a sewing ring with the coupling stent attached thereto. The coupling stent may expand from a conical deployment shape to a conical expanded shape, and may include web-like struts connected between axially-extending posts. A system and method for deployment includes a hollow two-piece handle through which a balloon catheter passes. A valve holder is stored with the heart valve and the handle easily attaches thereto to improve valve preparation steps.

Abstract: A balloon catheter (8) for post-implantation dilation of a self-expanding stent-valve (12) that comprises a stent component (14) and a valve component (16), the balloon catheter comprising an inflatable region (10) shaped to include a first region (30) configured for applying a dilation force to an anchor portion (18) of the stent-component, and at least one second region (32a/b) for applying less dilation to a leaflet portion (24) of the valve component, wherein the first region (30) has a larger diameter than the second region (32a/b).

Abstract: A tool is configured for transluminal delivery of an implant. The tool has a proximal part and a distal part, and comprises a shaft, a nosepiece, a sheath, and a balloon. The nosepiece is fixed to the shaft, and is arranged with respect to the implant such that the implant extends proximally away from the nosepiece and over the shaft. The sheath houses the implant. The balloon is disposed at the distal part of the tool, and is in fluid communication with the proximal part of the tool. When maximally inflated, the balloon has (i) a widest part that has an inflated diameter that is less than the diameter of the sheath or at most 10 percent greater than the diameter of the sheath, and (ii) a tapered portion that tapers longitudinally away from the widest part and from the nosepiece.

Abstract: Aortic ring (1) made of a flexible, suturable and biocompatible material, having a length, in the implanted state, making it possible to maintain a normal aortic ring diameter, said ring comprising, or being able to be combined with, means for holding the ring in a closed position in its site of implantation, in particular in a subvalvular plane.

Abstract: Methods and devices for transvascular prosthetic chordae tendinea implantation are disclosed. A catheter is advanced into the left atrium, through the mitral valve, and into the left ventricle. A ventricular anchor is deployed from the catheter and into a wall of the left ventricle, leaving a ventricular suture attached to the ventricular anchor and extending proximally through the catheter. A leaflet anchor is deployed to secure a mitral valve leaflet to a leaflet suture, with the leaflet suture extending proximally through the catheter. The leaflet suture is secured to the ventricular suture to limit a range of travel of the leaflet in the direction of the left atrium. Also disclosed is an assembled in situ mitral valve leaflet restraint, having a neo papillary muscle and a neo chordae tendinea.

Abstract: Methods and devices for transvascular prosthetic chordae tendinea implantation are disclosed. A catheter is advanced into the left atrium, through the mitral valve, and into the left ventricle. A ventricular anchor is deployed from the catheter and into a wall of the left ventricle, leaving a ventricular suture attached to the ventricular anchor and extending proximally through the catheter. A leaflet anchor is deployed to secure a mitral valve leaflet to a leaflet suture, with the leaflet suture extending proximally through the catheter. The leaflet suture is secured to the ventricular suture to limit a range of travel of the leaflet in the direction of the left atrium. Also disclosed is an assembled in situ mitral valve leaflet restraint, having a neo papillary muscle and a neo chordae tendinea.

Abstract: Methods and devices for transvascular prosthetic chordae tendinea implantation are disclosed. A catheter is advanced into the left atrium, through the mitral valve, and into the left ventricle. A ventricular anchor is deployed from the catheter and into a wall of the left ventricle, leaving a ventricular suture attached to the ventricular anchor and extending proximally through the catheter. A leaflet anchor is deployed to secure a mitral valve leaflet to a leaflet suture, with the leaflet suture extending proximally through the catheter. The leaflet suture is secured to the ventricular suture to limit a range of travel of the leaflet in the direction of the left atrium. Also disclosed is an assembled in situ mitral valve leaflet restraint, having a neo papillary muscle and a neo chordae tendinea.

Abstract: Methods and devices for transvascular prosthetic chordae tendinea implantation are disclosed. A catheter is advanced into the left atrium, through the mitral valve, and into the left ventricle. A ventricular anchor is deployed from the catheter and into a wall of the left ventricle, leaving a ventricular suture attached to the ventricular anchor and extending proximally through the catheter. A leaflet anchor is deployed to secure a mitral valve leaflet to a leaflet suture, with the leaflet suture extending proximally through the catheter. The leaflet suture is secured to the ventricular suture to limit a range of travel of the leaflet in the direction of the left atrium. Also disclosed is an assembled in situ mitral valve leaflet restraint, having a neo papillary muscle and a neo chordae tendinea.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a leaflet capture device for improving the coaptation of heart valve leaflets is provided. The leaflet capture device can include a first clip portion having inner and outer portions. The inner and outer portions can be configured to compress tissue of a first heart valve leaflet therebetween to secure the first clip portion to the first leaflet. The leaflet capture device can further include a second clip portion having inner and outer portions. The inner and outer portions can be configured to compress tissue of a second heart valve leaflet therebetween to secure the second clip portion to the second leaflet. The first and second clip portions can be separately deployable onto the first and second leaflets and secured to one another in vivo to bring portions of the first and second leaflets into closer proximity to each other, thereby improving coaptation of the first and second leaflets.

Abstract: A component of an artificial joint according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, inter alia, a hollow tube including bone ingrowth material. Further, the hollow tube is selectively expandable. The bone ingrowth material allows the component to become biologically fixed to adjacent bone. Further, expansion of the hollow tube increases friction between the hollow tube and the adjacent bone, which increases stability.

Abstract: A modular femoral prosthesis for use during performance of a hip revision procedure includes a proximal body component, a distal stem component, and a locking bolt. Surgical instruments and methods for use in implanting such a modular femoral prosthesis are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for fixating a dysfunctional sacroiliac joint for SI joint fusion, the system including a sacroiliac joint implant and a delivery tool configured for approaching a sacroiliac joint. The system may include an implant having a porous 3D matrix structure and may be manufactured by laser or electron beam additive manufacturing. The delivery tool may include a radiolucent material. The SI fusion system may further include custom sacroiliac joint implants, anchors, alignment tools or targeting arms manufactured for a particular patient. Pre-surgical imaging studies, including 3D rendering, and their interpretation may assist in planning desired trajectories, anchor dimensions and implant dimensions and may provide details specific to the manufacture of particular sacroiliac joint tools or implants and their implantation into the sacroiliac joint. The system may be configured for use with surgical robots and may include an integrated nerve monitoring and stimulation system.

Abstract: A medical device for implantation in a hip joint of a patient, the medical device comprising a prosthetic replacement for the acetabulum, wherein the prosthetic replacement for the acetabulum comprises: a first part adapted to be fixated to the femoral bone of the patient; and a second part rotatably connected to the first part by means of a connecting member. The first part comprises a bowl-shaped inner contacting surface portion adapted to receive a bowl-shaped outer contacting surface portion of the second part such that the second part is rotatable, relative to the first part, around a point of rotation formed by the connecting member. The second part comprises a bowl-shaped inner surface adapted to receive a ball-shaped portion of a prosthetic replacement for the caput femur, adapted to be fixated to the pelvic bone, such that the prosthetic replacement for the caput femur and the second part form a ball joint in an opposite configuration.

Abstract: An implant system includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion includes a hydrogel. The second portion includes a porous material and the hydrogel in pores of the porous material. The third portion includes the porous material. The first portion is free of the porous material. The third portion is free of the hydrogel. Methods of making and using the implant system.

Abstract: An implant can be used for the treatment of fat pad atrophy. The implant can be installed in the ball of the foot, the heel of the foot, the hands, or other areas. The implant can supplement or replace a patient's fat pads. In some instances, the implant can include an implant pad having a non-permeable external lining and an internal cavity enclosed by the external lining. The internal cavity can include a filler material. The implant can include features that resist rupture and/or migration.

Abstract: A total artificial spinous process (spino)-laminar prosthesis (TASP-LP) including a body having a portion forming a spinous process extending away from the body, a first lamina portion extending from a first side of the body, and a second lamina portion extending from a second side of the body, wherein the first lamina portion and the second lamina portion are disposed on opposite sides of the spinous process.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a cage for spinal interbody fusion, which has sufficient durability and allows for bone fusion with a bone implanted to the anterior disk as well as fusion between vertebrae, thereby achieving a more stable bone fusion. The cage for spinal interbody fusion according to the embodiment of the present invention comprises a cage body and a tip which is formed to extend from the cage body and have a predetermined curvature. Further, the cage body has a cavity part which is formed to penetrate from the top surface to the bottom surface of the cage body with a projection part having a plurality of projections formed on the top surface and the bottom surface, and at least one perforation part, which is perforated from the side surface adjacent to the top surface or the bottom surface to the direction of the cavity part, and is located in the anterior direction of the cavity part.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube.

Abstract: An implant (100, 200, 300, 400) includes a base (10), and a sequence of at least two segments including a first segment (12) and a last segment (14). The first segment (12) is pivotally linked to base (10). Adjacent segments are interconnected at pivotal connections (18). A bolt (20) has a threaded shaft (22) and a head (24). The threaded shaft (22) is engaged in a threaded channel (26) of the base (10) so that rotation of the bolt (20) about a central axis of the threaded shaft (22) varies a degree of overlap between the base (10) and the bolt (20). The last segment (14) and the head (24) define therebetween a spherical bearing (28). Rotation of bolt (20) thus varies a distance between spherical bearing (28) and hinge pin (16), thereby causing deflection of the sequence of segments.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for interbody fusion including distracting, in a given direction, and supporting opposing vertebral bodies. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the vertebral bodies to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the vertebral bodies so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.

Abstract: A arthroplasty trial tool for a human shoulder can include a handle, a first sensor, and a user interface. The handle can include a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first sensor can produce a first sensor signal as a function of a sensed shoulder condition. The user interface can be configured to display a first value as a function of the first sensor signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems to determine proper seating engagement of a first orthopedic component with a second orthopedic component to ensure stability of the assembled implant. In an example, the first orthopedic component is a head for a shoulder or hip prosthesis and the second orthopedic component is a stem for the shoulder or hip prosthesis, and the head and stem can be attached via a taper junction. The methods and systems can include contacting the first or second orthopedic component to excite the first or second orthopedic component and generate a measurable response, and evaluating the measured response to determine whether the first orthopedic component is properly seated with the second orthopedic component. In an example, a tooling component can physically contact the first or second orthopedic component and generate a vibrational response.