Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improving the stability, flexibility, and/or proper anatomical motion of a spinal column and more particularly, spinal implant devices are provided for use between adjacent vertebral bones. Intervertebral disc spacer devices may comprise two joined surfaces formed of compressible materials. The surfaces may be convex or any variety of shapes. Certain embodiments of intervertebral disc spacer devices include apertures through which nutrients may pass. Additionally, certain embodiments include a partial enclosure or open region between the two surfaces so as to provide an environment conducive to regrowth or stimulation of natural intervertebral disc material. In certain embodiments, the two surfaces may be attached by one or more springs. Alternatively, intervertebral disc spacer embodiments may be comprised of a coiled wire. Methods of introducing intervertebral disc spacer devices into patients are also provided.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a wave spring configured to surround a nucleus. The spring may be formed from a shape memory material. The implant may further include an artificial nucleus configured to simulate a disc nucleus.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant can include: a tapered arcuate shape. The implant can include a solid non-elastic portion. The implant can include an implant-suitable material. The implant can be at least partially porous, and optionally, the pores can be filed with a biodegradable material that can include one or more active agents, such as growth factors. The implant can be formed from a hybrid of at least two implant-suitable materials. The implant can include a body having a rounded surface and a substantially flat surface. Optionally, the substantially flat surface can be opposite of the rounded surface. The rounded surface and substantially flat surface can extend from a base to a tip of the tapered arcuate shape. The base may be substantially flat, where the tip can be rounded. The tapered arcuate shape can extend from a substantially flat base and curve to a tip of the arc.

Abstract: Prosthetic intervertebral discs and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The prosthetic discs described herein include one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, and four-piece structures. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the sagittal plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components of the discs. The interface mechanism between the endplates and the core members of several embodiments of the described prosthetic discs enables a very easy surgical operation for implantation.

Abstract: A vertebral body replacement apparatus includes an outer body member having a first end, a second end, and an opening, and an inner body member having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface defining an opening. The first end of the inner body member is received in the opening of the outer body member such that the inner body member and the outer body member are movable relative to one another. A support member has a first end secured within the inner body member and a second end extending a distance beyond the inner body member. The second end of the support member deflects relative to the first end of the outer body member in response to a force applied thereto and returns to a substantially non-deflected condition upon release of the force.

Abstract: A spinal implant having a series of sections or units hinged together and a balloon connected to at least some of the sections, the balloon having a curved configuration. The implant has a first delivery configuration and a second curved placement configuration, wherein it has a more linear configuration in the first delivery configuration than in the second curved configuration. The implant assumes the first delivery configuration during delivery to the disc space and maintains the curved configuration after placement within the disc space. The curved configuration can result from filling or expanding the balloon.

Abstract: This prosthesis (1) includes two plates and an intermediate damping core (4) placed between both of these plates, this core (4) comprising a first shell (6) and a flexible element placed between this first shell (6) and a part for receiving the core. The first shell (6) and the first receiving part include means (18, 26) for guiding their mutual movement for bringing them closer or moving them away from each other. According to the invention, the receiving part includes a cavity intended to snugly receive the flexible element. The cavity being delimited by a first peripheral wall and by a bottom wall. The first peripheral wall having an external peripheral face; and the first shell (6) has a second peripheral wall forming an internal face. The internal face, when the first shell (6) and the receiving part are in their assembling condition, coming into close proximity to said external peripheral face and being able to slide along the latter.

Abstract: The instant invention is a longitudinally adjustable corpectomy device which fits within the intervertebral distracted channel. A ratchet mechanism allows for an extendable member to adjust to a longer length to accommodate a distracted channel. The ratchet type mechanism allows the members to move in a unidirectional movement to prevent the two members from contracting once expanded.

Abstract: Prosthetic intervertebral discs and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The prosthetic discs described herein include one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, and four-piece structures. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the saggital plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components of the discs. The interface mechanism between the endplates and the core members of several embodiments of the described prosthetic discs enables a very easy surgical operation for implantation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an osteotomy fixation or arthrodesis cage allows the adjustment of the relative position of two bone segments while supporting the joining of those bone segments into one structure through the implant and methods described herein. The implant's embodiments fixate to the adjacent bones while inter-positioning its body between the bone segments. This inter-positioning allows anatomical adjustments in the distance between and angle of the bone segments. The adjustment is further enhanced by the use of shape memory materials that when activated through the application of heat energy, transition from a second shape to a first shape while changing the distance between the bones or their relative angle. This method and apparatus can be used on any adjacent bone or bone segments including but not limited to the vertebrae of the spine or long bone such as the tibia or metatarsal.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes an upper plate having an outer surface and an inner surface, a lower plate having an outer surface and an inner surface, and an intermediate plate having a first surface opposing the inner surface of the upper plate and a second surface opposing the inner surface of the lower plate. The implant includes a first flexible hinge that couples the upper plate and the intermediate plate, and a second flexible hinge that couples the intermediate plate and the lower plate, the first flexible hinge extending along a first axis and the second flexible hinge extending along a second axis that traverses the first axis.

Abstract: A process for the production of an implant and to an implant for surgical use in humans or vertebrates, in particular for the replacement, for the partial replacement or for the strengthening of a damaged intervertebral disk or for the replacement, for the partial replacement or for the strengthening of an anatomical joint. The implant includes at least one wire or at least one fiber. The wire or the fiber is present at least partially as a knitted fabric.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer device includes a first plate and a second plate, each plate having an outer surface for seating against opposing vertebral bone surfaces. The device includes a ball captured in a central opening of a coupling element, the coupling element being maintained against the first plate by a retaining ring coupled with the first plate.

Abstract: An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior plates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of expansion members or wafers in interlocking engagement. The superior and inferior plates have openings therethrough in communication with aligned holes through the wafers for receipt and containment of bone graft to promote fusion between opposing vertebral bodies. One of said superior and inferior endplates has a multi-contoured opening extending therethrough.

Abstract: An interbody cage includes a substrate having a plurality of curve slits, with each of the curve slits having a plurality of sections. A plurality of deformable ribs is formed, with each deformable rib between any adjacent two of the curve slits and having a first end and a second end. The first and second ends of each deformable rib respectively connect with two opposite lateral bars of the substrate, and a plurality of folds is formed on the plurality of deformable ribs in places adapted to be bent. In use, any adjacent two of the deformable ribs are capable of being bent to depart from each other to define a filling room.

Abstract: An implant strip is disclosed. In some cases, the prosthesis can take the form of an implant strip that may be implanted through the use of a surgical procedure that minimizes incision sizes and may be considered less invasive than typical spinal implant procedures. The implant strip includes provisions for implantation, including teeth, spacing provisions, and various shapes.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant having an upper and a lower closing plate designed to engage the vertebral end plates. The implant has a deformable body between the closing plates. Between the deformable body and closing plates are cover plates. A plurality of fiber windings run between the cover plates to hold together the cover plates and the deformable body.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a support member and a retention member. The support member has at least a portion configured to be disposed between a first spinous process and a second spinous process. The retention member is movably coupled to an end portion of the support member. The retention member is configured to displace a bodily tissue. The retention member is configured to move relative to the support member from a first position to a second position. The retention member is configured to limit movement of the support member along the longitudinal axis and relative to the first spinous process and the second spinous process when in the second position.

Abstract: Systems for interbody fusion of adjacent bone portions may include an expanding implant and related instruments. An expanding implant may be formed as a linkage which is movable between a compact configuration and an expanded configuration. A shaft of the implant may increase and decrease in length to move between the compact and expanded configurations, and an implant width perpendicular to the length may be increased in the expanded configuration. The implant width may increase more in a first direction than a second direction opposite the first direction. An inserter instrument may releasably grasp the spacer and transform the implant between the compact and expanded configurations.

Abstract: An insert for establishing a desired spacing between a pair of succeeding vertebrae and having a body including an extending end for supporting a location associated with a first selected lumbar vertebrae. An opposite extending end supports a spaced apart and opposing location associated with a second successively positioned lumbar vertebrae. Upon pre-positioning the body in an open space established between the vertebrae, an actuating input causes the first extending end to displace outwardly relative to the second end and into contacting support with the vertebrae.

Abstract: A prosthesis system comprises plates that can be positioned against vertebrae and a selected resilient core that can be positioned between the plates to allow the plates to articulate. The selected resilient core can be chosen from a plurality of cores in response to patient characteristics, such as age and/or intervertebral mobility, such that the prosthesis implanted in the patient is tailored to the needs of the patient. The plurality of cores may comprise cores with different resiliencies, and one of the cores can be selected such that the upper and lower plates articulate with the desired shock absorbing resiliency and/or maximum angle of inclination when the one selected core is positioned between the plates.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a space holder, especially for vertebrae or intervertebral discs for implantation into human or animal organisms, having a cylinder-like body (1) and, at the ends of the cylinder-like body, means (2) provided for connecting to adjacent body parts, said cylinder-like body (1) essentially being formed as a solid cylinder from at least one material that is elastically deformable under the conditions of use, such that the space holder is compressible and extensible in the axial direction and, with reference to means (2) provided at the ends for connecting the space holder to adjacent body parts, can bend about a radial axis of rotation (13).

Abstract: An intervertebral implant has an implant structure providing a fixation surface for fixation to the endplate of a vertebral body. The fixation surface includes two bone contact regions at different heights in an axial direction. A transition between the two contact regions has a stepped form including at least two steps.

Abstract: An embodiment provides an implant prosthesis. In some cases, the prosthesis can take the form of an implant strip that may be implanted through the use of a surgical procedure that minimizes incision sizes and may be considered less invasive than typical spinal implant procedures. In one aspect, a spinal prosthesis may include an implant strip including a first portion comprising a first lateral side portion and a second lateral side portion, and a second portion separating the first lateral side portion from the second lateral side portion, with the first and second lateral side portions configured to engage a first and second vertebra, with a first longitudinal portion of the implant strip forming a first inner coil, with a second longitudinal portion forming a second outer coil, and with the second outer coil spaced radially outward of the first inner coil, wherein the second portion deflects before the first portion under compressive and tensile forces.

Abstract: An embodiment provides an implant prosthesis. In some cases, the prosthesis can take the form of an implant strip that may be implanted through the use of a surgical procedure that minimizes incision sizes and may be considered less invasive than typical spinal implant procedures. In one aspect, a spinal prosthesis may include an implant strip configured for insertion between two adjacent vertebrae, the implant strip including a first portion having a first rigidity and a second portion having a second rigidity that is less than the first rigidity, wherein the second portion is configured to deflect under an axial load before the first portion deflects.

Abstract: A modular nucleus pulposus prosthesis comprising at least two generally mirror image complimentary disc segments combined to form a generally discoid endoprosthetic disc and to associated tools and methods for replacing the intervertebral disc. The complimentary segments are substantially identical including outer circumferential walls roughly equal to a semi-circle aligned along concave-convex inner wall inner walls forming a common border and a generally symmetrical discoid congruent structure which is positioned within the annulus of a spinal disc section. Disc segments may define structures to support, position and secure the segments to one another intradiscally. Surgical tools define structures for inserting and aligning disc members together. Also disclosed is a system and method for replacing the nucleus pulposus using the surgical tools adapted for placement and alignment of the disc.

Abstract: A rotating, locking, spring-loaded disk implant for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae. The implant is substantially rectangular in cross-sectional shape with minimal height and maximal width. The implant is inserted into the space between two adjacent vertebrae from which a portion of the intervertebral disk has been removed and, when positioned in the disk space, rotated to bring the sides of the rectangularly-shaped implant defining the width of the implant, with its larger dimension, into engagement with the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae. A portion of the implant is biased away from the implant and into contact with the adjacent vertebrae to provide a cushioning effect between the implant and the vertebra. A lock is then secured to the implant to resist further rotation of the implant in the disk space.

Abstract: An artificial disc prosthesis having load-bearing characteristics that mimic those of the normal, healthy intervertebral disc so as to provide resist flexion and axial compression of the spine in a way that preserves normal spinal function. The disc prosthesis includes three main components, a frame, a cushion molded over the frame, and a sac containing a hydrogel for maintaining disc height that is confined within a cavity in the cushion. Disc height is changed by increasing and/or decreasing the amount of hydrogel in the sac in accordance with the particular needs of the patient into which the artificial disc is implanted. Also provided is a frame for an artifical intervertebral disc that allows the axis of rotation of the spine to shift in a manner that replicates, or mimics, the normal function of the intervertebral disc.

Abstract: A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes upper and lower plates and a core having upper and lower curved surfaces disposed between the plates. At least one of the plates and/or the core includes a resilient material for absorbing shock or other forces applied by vertebrae. Optionally, resilient support members may be disposed within the resilient material to connect two portions of a plate or the core. Such support members may be springs, cylinders, wires or other resilient structures. The resilient material is held within the core or plate(s) via a surrounding retaining structure, such as a membrane. The resilient material disposed in one or more components of the prosthetic disc provides for shock absorption.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant including a central axis, a bottom cover plate and a top cover plate, which are respectively provided with an exterior surface that extends transversal to the central axis, and a central part.

Abstract: Prosthetic intervertebral discs, systems including such prosthetic intervertebral discs, and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the saggital plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components, construction, and other features of the discs.

Abstract: A process for making a polymeric product having a gradual variation in modulus through at least a portion of the product is disclosed together with an artificial spinal disc formed using the process.

Abstract: A spinal fusion device is disclosed. The spinal fusion device includes a first endplate configured for fitting within a disc space and engaging with a first vertebra and a second endplate configured for fitting within the disc space and engaging with a second vertebra. The two endplates are separated by a single spacer that is positioned between the first endplate and the second endplate and maintains a pre-determined distance between the first endplate and the second endplate. The spacer contains an anterior end, a posterior end, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side, a first surface that engages with the first endplate, a second surface that engages with the second endplate. Also disclosed are methods and instruments for implanting the spinal fusion device.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant can include: a tapered arcuate shape. The implant can include a solid non-elastic portion. The implant can include an implant-suitable material. The implant can be at least partially porous, and optionally, the pores can be filed with a biodegradable material that can include one or more active agents, such as growth factors. The implant can be formed from a hybrid of at least two implant-suitable materials. The implant can include a body having a rounded surface and a substantially flat surface. Optionally, the substantially flat surface can be opposite of the rounded surface. The rounded surface and substantially flat surface can extend from a base to a tip of the tapered arcuate shape. The base may be substantially flat, where the tip can be rounded. The tapered arcuate shape can extend from a substantially flat base and curve to a tip of the arc.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices, implants, systems, techniques and methods for addressing certain conditions of the spine, including devices, implants, systems and methods for performing spinal laminoplasty or other expansion of the spinal canal. The devices of the invention are expandable in situ, providing greater versatility for surgeons performing various procedures where expansion of the spinal canal is desired.

Abstract: A damping and shock absorbing method and apparatus for permanent or non-permanent use in the human body and having a shape memory alloy material cycled through stress-strain hysteresis to dissipate energy for effective damping. A sufficiently high pre-stress is applied to the damping element(s) to ensure that the damping working range is within the superelastic cycle. The damping apparatus can work in tension or compression or both in tension and compression. Moreover, damping elements from a shape memory alloy can also work in flexion and extension as well in rotation. The damping apparatus can have a stroke and force suitable for use in the human body by the design, the structure and the chemical composition of the shape memory alloy and their pre-set properties, such as plateau stresses of the superelastic cycle depend on the ambient temperature, the force of damping elements can also be changed in-situ by changing the temperature of the damping elements.

Abstract: Provided is an intervertebral disc prostheses for installation in a spinal column between superior and inferior vertebral bodies. A first intervertebral plate engages one or both of the inferior vertebral endplate and the inferior ring apophysis of the superior vertebral body. A second intervertebral plate engages one or both of the superior vertebral endplate and the superior ring apophysis of the inferior vertebral body. A biaxial rolling-contact core is located between the intervertebral plates. The core includes a convex upper surface and a convex lower surface. The upper surface is curved around a first axis and the lower surface is curved around a second axis that is rotated relative to the first axis. The core is capable of rolling translation relative to the first intervertebral plate along the upper surface and in a first direction, and rolling translation relative to the second intervertebral plate along the lower surface and in a second direction.

Abstract: A process for nucleotomy of an intervertebral disk to create a nuclear space and a method for replacing a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk after a nucleotomy are provided. The methods position a nuclear implant between two overlying and underlying vertebrae of a spine segment in the form of one or more continuous wire arranged as a stack of helices inside the nuclear space.

Abstract: A vertebral augmentation system comprising a biocompatible mesh sheet having a first end and a second end. The mesh sheet includes a plurality of first strands having a first maximum extension intertwined with a plurality of second strands having a second maximum extension. The mesh sheet also includes a first interface portion adapted to contact a first vertebral bone and a second interface portion adapted to contact a second vertebral bone. The plurality of first strands have a greater elasticity than the plurality of second strands, and the plurality of second strands limit the plurality of first strands from reaching the first maximum extension when the first vertebral bone moves relative to the second vertebral bone.

Abstract: An intervertebral disk prosthesis system, which is used for forming an artificial intervertebral disk and comprises a first and a second prosthesis component wherein each of the two prosthesis components comprises a first and a second vertebral body contacting element for placement on neighboring vertebral bodies bounding an intervertebral disk space of a spinal column and a joint element that is mounted between and is moveable relative to at least one of the first and second vertebral body contacting elements, attains a substantially natural range of motion independent of the positioning of the two prosthesis components relative to each other and to the neighboring vertebral bodies. Each prosthesis component has a ball joint formed between the first and second vertebral body contacting elements.

Abstract: The invention provides an intervertebral implant for the lumbo-sacral joint, the implant consisting in a spacer suitable for being placed between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the sacral vertebra articulated thereto, the body of said spacer presenting in its top face a groove extending in the midplane of the spacer and suitable for receiving the spinous process of said lumbar vertebra. A longitudinal housing oriented orthogonally to said groove is formed in the bottom face and is suitable for receiving the top portion of the sacral vertebra. The longitudinal housing is defined by an extension and by a tab of width narrower than the width of the body of the spacer. The section of the housing in the midplane of the space is generally U-shaped, being inclined relative to the bottom of the groove.

Abstract: A motion preserving implant having first and second bearing members and a biasing member disposed therebetween operable to provide resistance to the translation of the bodies with respect to one another. An intervertebral implant having first and second bearing members, a translatable member, a resilient connection between the translatable member and one of the bearing members to allow for relative motion therebetween and bearing surfaces of the translatable member and the other bearing member to allow complex, natural motion between the bearing members. A spinal implant having upper and lower bodies and an articulation surface that allows for polyaxial articulation and translation through a concave articulation surface having a first radius of curvature and a second radius of curvature in at least one plane, and a convex articulation surface having the first radius of curvature in the same plane.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a modular six-degrees-of-freedom spatial mechanism for spinal disc prosthesis, with up to three rotational and up to three translational degrees-of-freedom within the entire workspace of a Functional Spinal Unit (FSU). The prosthetic disc mechanism consists of up to three independent cylindrical joints, each joint providing one linear and one rotational degree of freedom. The superior and inferior vertebral plates of the device anchor to the superior and inferior vertebrae of an FSU and the device maintains an inseparable mechanical linkage between those vertebrae for all normal motions and positions of the FSU. The device utilizes resilient spring elements, components that self-adjust in position and orientation, in conjunction with a fiber reinforced boot and toroidal belt, as well as a unique hydraulic damping system to accommodate dynamic and static forces and sudden shocks on the FSU.

Abstract: An implant strip is disclosed. In some cases, the prosthesis can take the form of an implant strip that may be implanted through the use of a surgical procedure that minimizes incision sizes and may be considered less invasive than typical spinal implant procedures. The implant strip includes provisions for implantation, including teeth, spacing provisions and various shapes.

Abstract: An intervertebral cage having flexibility is provided wherein a housing itself has a plate spring form having proper elasticity. The housing can have a shape memory characteristic to obtain a modulus of elasticity suitable for differing spinal loads according to each patient, thereby absorbing a shock applied to a spine. A distance between disks is restored by the intervertebral cage to sufficiently secure a disc height, thereby relieving spinal nerve stress. The intervertebral cage may be converted from a simple fusion application into a functional cage adequate for a physiological biomechanics. The flexible intervertebral cage includes a housing having a closed sectional surface with an empty hollow therein. The housing itself has proper elasticity so that it absorbs a load by a stress applied in a vertical direction of a spine by a dynamic motion due to an upright walk of a patient to serve as a normal disk.

Abstract: The present application relates to a prosthesis comprising a flexible portion (1) and at least one less flexible portion (2), which flexible portion comprises a fiber-reinforced hydrogel. In addition to that, the application relates to a prosthesis consisting of a fiber-reinforced hydrogel, which prosthesis is intended to replace cartilaginous materials. The application further relates to the use of the prosthesis and to a method for manufacturing the prosthesis. The application furthermore relates to a method of preparing the flexible portion for a prosthesis. Finally, the application relates to a fiber material apparently intended for use in the prosthesis.

Abstract: An implant retention device is provided to assist in restraining movement of a nuclear implant and to assist in preventing expulsion of the nuclear implant through an incision portal or defect in the annular wall. In one form, the implant retention device comprises an expulsion prevention member associated with the nuclear implant and is configured to transition between an unexpanded position and an expanded position. In another form, a method for restraining a nuclear implant includes cutting an opening in the annulus, shifting an implant retention device into an unexpanded position, inserting the implant retention device through the opening, and shifting the retention device to an expanded position.

Abstract: A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes upper and lower plates and a core having upper and lower curved surfaces disposed between the plates. At least one of the plates and/or the core includes a resilient material for absorbing shock or other forces applied by vertebrae. Optionally, resilient support members may be disposed within the resilient material to connect two portions of a plate or the core. Such support members may be springs, cylinders, wires or other resilient structures. The resilient material is held within the core or plate(s) via a surrounding retaining structure, such as a membrane. The resilient material disposed in one or more components of the prosthetic disc provides for shock absorption.

Abstract: An intervertebral device includes a first plate having an outer face and an inner face, and a second plate juxtaposed with the first plate, the second plate having an outer face, an inner face that opposes the first plate and a concavity that opposes the first plate. The device includes an elongated member extending from the first plate toward the second plate, the elongated member having a distal end with a spherical surface that is engageable with the concavity of the second plate for providing an articulating joint between the first and second plates. The device also includes a resilient member in contact with the elongated member for counteracting compressive loads on the plates, the resilient member being surrounded by the concavity of the second plate.

Abstract: An intervertebral disk prosthesis or the intervertebral implant has a cavity-like middle part with a longitudinal axis, an upper end, a lower end, an upper apposition plate, and a lower apposition plate. The upper apposition plate is placed on the upper end of the middle part such that it is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The upper apposition plate is suited for resting against the base plate of a vertebral body. The lower apposition plate is placed on the lower end of the middle part such that it is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The lower apposition plate is suited for resting against the cover plate of a vertebral body. The middle part has at least two coaxially arranged plate springs, which gives the middle part a progressive spring characteristic.