Abstract: An embodiment of an intervertebral prosthetic device for implantation in a spine includes a rigid fixation member and a compressible member. The fixation member is configured to be placed in a cavity of a first vertebral body and against bone of the first vertebral body. The compressible member is configured to be placed in a cavity in an intervertebral disc and to be secured to the first fixation member. Another embodiment includes two compressible members and one fixation member. In this embodiment, the first and second compressible members are sized to substantially replace the nucleus pulposus of first and a second intervertebral discs, respectively, on either side of a vertebral body. The fixation member is sized to fit within a cavity in the vertebral body between the first and second compressible members.

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: An intervertebral spacer device having a pair of opposing plates for seating against opposing vertebral bone surfaces. Each of the opposing plates has an external surface with a deflectable wire mesh thereon, into which the bone can readily grow.

Abstract: An article including a spinal prosthesis having a unitary body with at least three attachment points attachable to spinal structure, the unitary body including a flexure assembly positioned between first and second attachment members, wherein flexure of the flexure assembly permits movement of the first attachment member relative to the second attachment member.

Abstract: A method and devices for facilitating fixating and joining of bone fractures utilizing expandable devices that are positioned within the bone and across the fracture site. The stress from the expanded may enhance and expedite bone healing.

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: The present invention provides a vertebral implant comprising a wall forming two short sides (100, 101) and two elongated sides (102, 103) to define a generally elongated structure having a passageway (106) therethrough. At least one of the two elongated sides is resiliently compressible into the passageway, or resiliently expandable away from the passageway, under a force applied to the implant by movement of the spine into which the implant is placed. This resilient opposition to forces in the spine causes the device to want to return to its at-rest position, thereby aiding the spine in its return to a normal position after movement is relaxed, thereby aiding proper spine alignment. Preferably, the device comprises a flexible body having a generally loop-shaped configuration defined by the wall, wherein the wall material and thickness is selected so that the device has appropriate degrees of flexibility and strength.

Abstract: An intervertebral disk prosthesis is disclosed. The intervertebral disk prosthesis is has a base plate, a top plate opposite the base plate, and an intervening core located between the top plate and base plate. One of the plates has a first concave contact face facing the core, which has a adjacent first convex contact face. A groove is provided around one of contact faces in which an elastic ring is placed. When placed in the groove, the elastic ring is also in contact with the opposite contact face.

Abstract: A system for flexibly stabilizing a vertebral motion segment by connecting a first vertebra and a second vertebra is disclosed. The system includes a bumper with a resilient central member. The system is designed such that the resilient central member is compressed in both compression and extension of the bumper or vertebral motion segment. The system includes first and second means for connecting the bumper to the vertebrae.

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: A displacement leaf spring and an artificial intervertebral disc containing the same, particularly about the artificial intervertebral disc using the displacement leaf spring to cushion axial compression, wherein the artificial intervertebral disc includes a displacement leaf spring and the displacement leaf spring further includes an upper plate, an inclined plate, and a lower plate. The upper plate has a first breach, and the inclined plate has a first connecting side which connects to one side of the first breach. There is an angle between the inclined plate and the upper plate. The inclined plate has a second breach, and the lower plate has a second connecting side which connects to one side of the second breach. There is an angle between the lower plate and the inclined plate, and the lower plate parallels the upper plate. The artificial intervertebral disc equipped with the displacement leaf spring further comprises a top plate, a bottom plate, a core structure, and a socket structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for the placement of a bone fusion implant between vertebral bodies in a human or animal subject. In an exemplary method a pathway is formed in the first sacral vertebrae along a trajectory that has a starting point between the inferior aspect of the facet joint and the first posterior sacral foramen and transverses at least one pedicle, at least a portion of the first sacral vertebra and the disc space immediately superior to the sacrum. A fusion implant is placed into the formed pathway. Additional bone fasteners and inter-connecting rods are added to the fusion implant in order to further strengthen the construct. Embodiments that can be used to fuse an additional level are also disclosed.

Abstract: A support system includes a plurality of support members and a plurality of cross members. The support system is adapted to fit within an access device for insertion into a space between adjacent vertebrae. A plurality of hinges connects each cross member to at least one support member. The support system is movable between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the support system is substantially linear. In the second state, the support system is configurable into one of several geometric shapes. A number of strings may be attached to the support members for transitioning the support system from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc comprises two opposing shells having opposing inner surfaces and oppositely directed outer surfaces. The outer surfaces are adapted for locating against adjacent vertebrae. The inner surface of one shell including a ball and the inner surface of the other shell including a cooperating ring are adapted to restrict articulation of the ball within a defined region.

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: A method for providing disc regeneration that includes at least partially restoring disc height using a vertebral disc annular fibrosis tensioning and lengthening device, and then injecting a biologic substance, such as stem cells, into the disc that differentiate into chondrocytes and/or notochordal cells that facilitate disc regeneration. Once the biologic substance has regenerated the disc, it may be possible to remove the vertebral disc annular fibrosis tensioning and lengthening device.

Abstract: A vertebral disc replacement includes superior and inferior end plates separated by a leaf spring. The leaf spring includes two opposed legs that extend from a floating intermediate portion of the leaf spring to the superior end plate and two opposed legs that extend from the floating intermediate portion to the inferior end plate. The disc replacement device is compact and provides freedom of movement along three axes, translational along the caudal/cranial axis, lateral bending and flexion/extension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distractible intervertebral implant having a first assembly (10) constituted by a first prosthetic plate (16) and a first spacer element (18), the prosthetic plate being secured to the first spacer element; a second assembly (12) constituted by a second prosthetic plate (22) and by a hollow second spacer element (24), having a first end secured to the second prosthetic plate and the first spacer element being suitable for sliding in the second spacer element; and means (14) for preventing the spacer element from moving in translation or in rotation relative to each other, the means having a clamping collar (28) surrounding a portion of the outside surface of the second spacer element, and a lock screw (30) for tightening the collar onto the second spacer element.

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 implant made of at least two different materials. The implant may include materials with varying radiolucency and mechanical properties. Such a hybrid implant may offer controlled radiographic visibility and optimized structural properties for implant placement, including placement for use in spinal arthrodesis.

Abstract: A cervical fixation device, for insertion between a pair of adjacent cervical vertebrae, includes a frame comprised of a first material. The frame has a generally rectangular proximal end and a generally rectangular distal end. The distal end is connected to the proximal end by at least one upper arch and at least one lower arch. The upper and lower arches are spaced apart from each other. The frame has a generally hollow interior, substantially open lateral sides between the upper and lower arches and a substantially open proximal end.

Abstract: A sliding intervertebral implant and method includes a first member that connects to an intervertebral space between two adjacent vertebrae. The first member includes a pair of curved side walls connected to each of a front wall, an upper curved wall, and a lower curved wall, wherein a length of a first curved side wall is less than a length of each of a second curved side wall, the upper curved wall, and the lower curved wall, and wherein an edge of the second curved side wall is offset from an edge of the front wall. A second member is slidably attached to the first member, and includes a top and bottom curved wall each connected to an inclined side wall and a guide wall, wherein the guide wall comprises grooves, wherein the second curved side wall of the first member slides in the grooves of the guide wall.

Abstract: A space keeper for vertebrae or intervertebral disks is provided, which has a tubular section and teeth on the respective ends of the space keeper. On at least one end of the tubular section an element is provided, which has a top plate which is tiltable about an angle to the longitudinal axis of the tubular section.

Abstract: A bone prosthesis device is comprised of an upper and lower abutment surfaces and an intervening malleable member. The device is sufficiently small so that implantation into an inter-vertebral disc space can be performed from a substantially posterior approach without significant impingement upon the neural elements.

Abstract: A vertebral replacement implant includes two longitudinal elements slidably mounted with respect to each other, and locking elements. These locking elements include, on one of the longitudinal elements, an anchor surface, and on the other of the longitudinal elements, an anchor shoe guided in translation to take up a first position in which the elements slide freely with respect to each other, and a second position in which the anchor shoe cooperates with the anchor surface to lock the elements together, with a system converting a rotational movement into a translational movement transmitted to the anchor shoe.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer device having a pair of opposing plates for seating against opposing vertebral bone surfaces. Each of the opposing plates has an external surface with a deflectable wire mesh thereon, into which the bone can readily grow.

Abstract: Spinal disc prosthetic devices are provided having up to six-degrees-of-freedom with three rotational and three translational degrees-of-freedom within the entire workspace of a Functional Spinal Unit (FSU). Certain embodiments of the prosthetic disc mechanisms attach to upper and lower plates anchored between vertebrae of an FSU allowing modularity of the devices. Scaling, conjoined mechanical programmability allow the devices to realize almost any nominal required spinal articulation, from the cervical to lumbar regions.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disk, insertable between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a patient and joining the two adjacent vertebral bodies an articulated manner, includes an intermediate element embodied as an elastic ring and is inserted into one respective molded portion of two outer elements configured as metal plates. The outer elements are joined to the bones of the vertebral bodies via anchoring pins, especially titanium anchorings previously known in hip endoprosthetics. The radius of the concave molded portion is greater than the diameter of a circular cross-sectional area of the intermediate element such that compression of the intermediate element caused particularly by the patient's movement allows for a defined deformation.

Abstract: An artificial spinal disc implant method for intervertebral disc replacement (0810) is disclosed which is formed from an upper (0801) and lower (0802) bracket which mate to upper and lower spinal vertebrae via upper (0831) and lower (0832) vertebral contact surfaces on the upper (0801) and lower (0802) brackets. The upper (0801) and lower (0802) brackets are joined together via springs (0811) connected to the upper bracket (0801) which rest in spring guide tracks (0812) on the lower bracket. The springs (0811) are connected to the upper bracket (0801) via the use of spring fasteners (0821, 0822). The upper (0801) and lower (0802) brackets may be installed in sections (0851, 0861, 0871, 0852, 0862, 0872) using laparoscopic surgical techniques and are attached to upper/lower spinal vertebrae respectively via adhesive means applied using injection holes/ports (0841, 0842) in the upper (0801) and lower (0802) brackets respectively.

Abstract: In an intervertebral disc prostheses having a pair of rigid endplates and an elastomeric core structure between the endplates. The core structure is designed to provide desired functional characteristics of the prosthesis.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer device having a pair of opposing plates for seating against opposing vertebral bone surfaces, separated by at least one spring mechanism. The preferred spring mechanism is at least one belleville washer having radially spaced concentric grooves. In a preferred embodiment there is a single such belleville washer which is modified to mount onto a ball-shaped head. The lower plate of this embodiment includes a post extending upwardly from the inner surface of the plate, the post including a ball-shaped head. The modified belleville washer can be rotatably mounted to the head such that the wider portion of the washer seats against the upper plate.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc includes housing members including spaced inner surfaces facing each other and oppositely facing outer surfaces for engaging spaced apart vertebral surfaces. Bearing surfaces extend from each of the inner surfaces for engaging each other while allowing for low friction and compression resistant movement of the housing members relative to each other while under compression. Load sharing pads are disposed between the inner surfaces and about at least a portion of the bearing surfaces for sharing absorption compressive loads with the bearing surfaces while limiting the relative movement of the housing members.

Abstract: A modular intervertebral implant or a modular intervertebral disk prosthesis has a middle piece or central section equipped with elements for detachable fixation to one or two apposition plates designed to rest against the base plate or cover plate of an intervertebral body. A modular kit of such modular implants or disks includes n central sections and m apposition plates, where n=2 and m=4 and preferably n=3 and m=6. The surfaces of the apposition plates that face the central section have elements complementary to the elements for detachable fixation on the central section.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for insertion in the human or animal body in order to increase the spacing between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column. The device comprises a plurality of shaped members which are pivotally joined to each other and arranged around a central screwed rod which is supported by a collar at one end and a threaded collar at the opposite end said collar and collar being located within the pivoting axis of the adjacent members forming each end of the device. Following insertion in the body and positioning between adjacent spinous processes the device may be deployed by rotation of the central screwed rod in order to achieve the desired separation of adjacent spinous processes while at the same time providing a secure location of the device in the deployed condition.

Abstract: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.

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: An implantable apparatus for use in the correction of skeletal deformities comprising a hinge applied in various orientations across one or more growth plates and attached to bone via attachment members.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer device having a pair of opposing plates for seating against opposing vertebral bone surfaces, separated by at least one spring mechanism. The preferred spring mechanism is at least one spirally slotted belleville washer having radially spaced concentric grooves. In a preferred embodiment there is a single such belleville washer which is modified to mount onto a ball-shaped head. The lower plate of this embodiment includes a post extending upwardly from the inner surface of the plate, the post including a ball-shaped head. The modified belleville washer can be rotatably mounted to the head such that the wider portion of the washer seats against the upper plate.

Abstract: A modular disc prosthesis system is provided that allows a disc prosthesis to be constructed, either pre- or intra-operatively, to have a desired degree of freedom or constraint when positioned between endplates of adjacent vertebrae. In particular, the components can be assembled to form a disc prosthesis having a center of rotation that is constrained or fixed such that, when the disc prosthesis is implanted between endplates of adjacent vertebrae, the adjacent vertebrae have one degree of freedom and move about a fixed center of rotation. Alternatively, one or more of the same components and one or more additional components of the system can be used to construct a disc prosthesis having a center of rotation that is unconstrained or that floats such that, when the disc prosthesis is implanted between the endplates of adjacent vertebrae, the adjacent vertebrae have multiple degrees of freedom and can move about a floating or moving center of rotation, i.e., a center of rotation that is not fixed.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for the lumbo-sacral joint is provided. The intervertebral implant comprises a spacer adapted to fit between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the sacral vertebra articulated thereto and a strap. The spacer comprises a body. The body comprises a top end face and a bottom end face opposite the top end face. The top end face comprises a groove that extends along a midplane of the spacer. The groove comprises a first side and a second side, wherein between the first side and the second side the groove is adapted to receive the spinous process of said lumbar vertebra. The bottom end face comprises a longitudinal housing. The longitudinal housing extends orthogonal to the groove. The longitudinal housing is adapted to receive and rest directly on a top portion of the sacral vertebra.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for repairing or replacing damaged, injured, diseased, or otherwise unhealthy posterior elements, such as the facet joints, the lamina, the posterior ligaments, and/or other features of a patient's spinal column. In one exemplary embodiment, an implant is provided having an anterior portion that is adapted to be positioned between adjacent vertebrae and a posterior portion that is adapted to be positioned around a spinal cord and to couple to a posterior surface of at least one adjacent vertebra. In use, the implant can allow the adjacent vertebrae to move relative to one another, thereby restoring normal function to the vertebrae.

Abstract: Devices and methods for spacing the spinous processes of adjacent vertebral members. In one embodiment, the device includes first and second sections and an intermediate section that together form an interior section. An elastic member may be positioned within the interior section. The elastic member may have a variety of orientations, sizes, shapes, densities, modulus of elasticity, and other material properties depending upon the desired displacement between the first and second sections. The intermediate section in combination with the elastic member may be deformed during this movement and thereby exert a force to stabilize the vertebral members.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic joint has a first component for attaching to a first bone and a second component for attaching to a second bone wherein the first and second components are connected in an articulating manner to provide the motion of a prosthetic joint. The joint includes at least one spring to provide compliance to the prosthetic joint. The at least one spring is preloaded in the artificial joint such that the spring is not allowed to move to a completely relaxed position. This preloading of the spring allows the maximum deflection of the spring to be used for shock absorption because the spring does not deform substantially when the implanted prosthetic joint is moved from an at rest position to a loaded or standing position. The prosthetic joints according to the present invention can include artificial hips, knees, shoulders, ankles, and intervertebral discs.

Abstract: An artificial intervertebral disc includes housing members including spaced inner surfaces facing each other and oppositely facing outer surfaces for engaging spaced apart vertebral surfaces. Bearing surfaces extend from each of the inner surfaces for engaging each other while allowing for low friction and compression resistant movement of the housing members relative to each other while under compression. Load sharing pads are disposed between the inner surfaces and about at least a portion of the bearing surfaces for sharing absorption compressive loads with the bearing surfaces while limiting the relative movement of the housing members.

Abstract: A prosthetic facet joint having compression springs interposed between articulating surfaces for providing gradual resistance to extreme movements.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis including an elastically deformable disc arranged around an axis with upper and lower surfaces, oriented generally perpendicular to the axis, for engaging the faces of adjacent vertebral bodies between which a natural disc has been wholly or partially removed. The disc can have an exterior wall and be arranged to undergo flexion, compression and expansion in response to forces applied by the supporting vertebra to the disc. A pin can be provided to limit movement of the disc. A portion of the disc such as the central section can have one or more generally horizontal slits extending perpendicular to the axis to provide a spring function.

Abstract: Intervertebral disc prosthesis including an upper apposition plate appropriate to rest against the base plate of an upper vertebra, a lower apposition plate spaced apart from the upper apposition plate and suitable to rest against the base plate of a lower vertebra, a plurality of elastic devices mounted between the two apposition plates and in their peripheral zones in a manner that the two apposition plates shall be displaceable in mutually resilient manner, and a central axis which runs essentially perpendicularly to the two apposition plates, the elastic devices being designed/configured in a manner that the intervertebral disc prosthesis as a whole exhibits asymmetrical stiffness.

Abstract: A prosthesis for replacing a native disc between first and second adjacent vertebral bodies. The prosthesis includes a compliant element having a first composition and a geometry for providing a plurality of element stiffnesses for the compliant element substantially matching spatial stiffnesses of the native disc. The prosthesis also includes an upper plate of the first or a second composition, the upper plate having opposed inner and outer surfaces, the upper plate inner surface having a first retaining structure for affixing a position of the first end of the compliant element, and a lower plate of the first or a second composition, the lower plate having opposed inner and outer surfaces, the lower plate inner surface having a second retaining structure for affixing a position of the second end of the compliant element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial intervertebral disc for placement between adjacent vertebrae. The artificial intervertebral disc is preferably designed to restore disc height and natural disc curvature, allow for a natural range of motion, absorb shock and provide resistance to motion and axial compression. Furthermore, the intervertebral disc may be used in the cervical, the thoracic, or the lumbar regions of the spine. The artificial intervertebral disc may include either singularly or in combination: an interior including at least one spring member preferably incorporating an arcuate surface member, a flexible core, the flexible core preferably being a slotted core, a ring spring, a winged leaf spring, a leaf spring, or the articulating member preferably being attached to one of the endplate by an intermediate shock absorbing element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spinal disc endoprosthesis. The endoprosthesis has a resilient body formed of one or more materials which may vary in stiffness from a relatively stiff exterior annular gasket portion to a relatively supple central nucleus portion. Concaval-convex elements at least partly surround that nucleus portion so as to retain the nucleus portion and gasket between adjacent vertebral bodies in a patient's spine. Assemblies of endoprosthetic discs, endoprosthetic vertebral bodies, and endoprosthetic longitudinal ligaments may be constructed. To implant this endoprosthesis assembly, information is obtained regarding the size, shape, and nature of a patient's damaged spine. Thereafter, one or more prosthetic vertebral bodies and disc units are constructed in conformity with that information. Finally, the completed and conformed vertebral body and disc assembly is implanted in the patient's spine.