Abstract: An implantable device may include a barrel, the barrel having an upper portion and a lower portion. The implantable device may further include an actuator assembly disposed in the barrel, and a central screw that extends from a rear ramped actuator through a front ramped actuator. The implantable device may further include a first plate having multiple projections extending from one side of the first plate. The implantable device may further include a second plate having multiple projections extending from one side of the second plate, the second plate configured to be received on the central screw. The barrel may be configured to transition from a collapsed form having a first height to an expanded form having a second height and wherein the second height is greater than the first height.

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 body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.

Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed having an adjustable height for insertion between two adjacent bony structures or joint surfaces, for example between two adjacent spinal vertebrae. The implant includes at least one gear associated with at least one threaded shaft. Rotation of the gear engages the threaded shaft to expand the implant. The implant can be inserted in a collapsed configuration and expanded in situ. The invention also provides methods for using the implant to facilitate arthrodesis or fusion of adjacent joint surfaces or spinal vertebrae.

Abstract: An implantable device may comprise a barrel, the barrel having an upper portion and a lower portion. The barrel may be configured to transition from a collapsed form having a first height to an expanded form having a second height and wherein the second height is greater than the first height. The implantable device may further include an actuator assembly disposed in the barrel, the actuator assembly comprising a front ramped actuator in engagement with the barrel, a rear ramped actuator in engagement with the barrel, and a central screw that extends from the rear ramped actuator through the front ramped actuator. The implantable device may further comprise a first plate and a second plate.

Abstract: An expandable housing for an interbody fusion system has movable tapered external helical threaded members that travel along tracking to operably engage against the top and bottom shell members, urging them apart to cause expansion in the height of the housing. In an embodiment, the tapered members are disposed in a dual arrangement such that independent engagement of the tapered members along lateral portions of the top and bottom shells cause an angular tilt to the exterior surface of the housing when the tapered members are moved to different degrees. This function permits adjustment in the angular relationship between adjacent vertebrae and assists the lordotic adjustment of the patient's spine. When the functions of the device are used in combination by the surgeon, the device provides an effective tool for in situ adjustment when performing lateral lumbar interbody fusion.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes upper and lower prosthesis plates locatable against respective vertebrae and having opposing, concavely curved recesses therein, and a core located between the plates. The core has opposed, convexly curved surfaces received in the recesses of the plates to allow the plates to slide in articulated manner over the core. The opposed surfaces of the core and the recesses of the plates have cooperating spherical curvatures. The recess of each plate surrounds a locating peg projecting centrally from the base of the recess and is bounded by an annular rim, such that the annular rims of the plates are arranged to contact one another at a predetermined limit of sliding movement of the plates over the core. The peg locates loosely in an opening located centrally in a curved surface of the core, whereby the plates can slide over the core in all directions while the peg holds the core captive.

Abstract: An expandable assembly for insertion into an intervertebral space is presented. The assembly, in particular aspects, includes an elongate body comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the elongate body defines an internal longitudinal channel extending from a proximal opening to a distal cavity. The assembly may include an expander that is sized and shaped for insertion into the distal cavity, thereby selectively expanding the upper portion away from the lower portion. The elongate body may also include one or more bone graft windows a cap that is sized and shaped for insertion into the proximal opening.

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 body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc implant for use in the spine including a first part and a second part, wherein the first part and second part are configured as a joint prosthesis for the spine. The first part includes one of a concave or convex articulating surface and the second part includes one of the other concave or convex articulating surface. One of the concave or convex articulating surfaces is preferably elliptically shaped in at least one direction and does not match and is different than one of the other concave or convex articulating surfaces.

Abstract: An implant having a base with a first contact surface and a hinged element, hingedly interconnected with a first portion of the base, providing a second contact surface. The first portion of the base is displaceable relative to a second portion so that the base can be shortened from an initial length towards a second length. A linking segment is hingedly connected to both the second portion of the base and to the hinged element so that shortening of the base causes the linking segment to push a region of the hinged element away from the base, thereby changing an angle of the second contact surface relative to the first contact surface.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device includes a base member, a top member, and an expansion mechanism for moving the top member relative to the base member. The expansion mechanism may include a connector drive rod assembly, a gear, a threaded rod, and a support means. The gear ring is coupled to the threaded rod and is rotatable. The expansion mechanism may also include at least one load head coupled to the threaded rod. An alternative interbody fusion device is also disclosed and includes a bottom member, a superior member, and an expansion mechanism for moving the superior member relative to the bottom member. The expansion mechanism includes a first expansion assembly for moving a first end of the superior member relative to the bottom member, a second expansion assembly for moving a second end of the superior member relative to the bottom member, and a connector drive rod assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a prosthetic spinal disc for replacing a damaged disc between two vertebrae of a spine. The present invention also relates to a method for implanting a prosthetic spinal disc via anterior or anterior lateral implantation. Other surgical approaches for implanting the prosthetic disc may also be used.

Abstract: A spinal fusion device that is expandable. The device features a top and bottom surface for engaging adjacent vertebrae, a hollow center for stacking of bone or bone growth material, and a slidable mechanism with grooves for expanding or unexpanding the device.

Abstract: An expandable fusion device is capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. The fusion device may include a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.

Abstract: A spinal fusion device that is expandable. The device features a top and bottom surface for engaging adjacent vertebrae, a hollow center for stacking of bone or bone growth material, and a slidable mechanism with grooves for expanding or contracting the device in cooperation with a hinge assembly.

Abstract: A spinal insert provides for a method of spinal adjustment to adjust inter-vertebral spacing and alignment of vertebral bodies relative to a pre-determined reference line determined from measurement including but not limited to the pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, and C7 plumb line. The device includes an upper arm and a lower arm extending outwardly from a base section defining a frame. An adjustment member is positioned between the upper arm and the lower arm. The adjustment member has a plurality of distinct lengths measured straight through a center of the adjustment member. The adjustment member is rotatable wherein an angle between the upper arm and the lower arm is selectively adjustable by rotation of the adjustment member. Spacing of vertebral endplates using a plurality of the frames described permits adjustment of the vertebral bodies to a desired angle relative to the pelvic orientation of an individual patient.

Abstract: A lateral expanding coaxial spinal implant. The system consists of a centrally located drive screw with lateral actuators. The actuators contain pins positioned through angular slots located on sidewalls attached to endplates. The angular slots provide angular positioning when the actuator pins translate through them. A carriage contains a drive screw for operating of the actuators. Alignment pins provided on each endplate allow the endplates to rotate laterally relative to the carriage. An adjustment nut is axially retained by the carriage, but allowed to rotate. To expand/contract the endplates, the drive screw and adjustment nut are rotated together, with no relative motion between them. To change the angle of the endplates, the drive screw is rotated.

Abstract: A vertebral body system and method having a polyaxial fastener receiving member, adjustable width plates and a pedicle screw having a pedicle threaded portion and a threaded portion for fastening to the vertebral body.

Abstract: An expandable interbody fusion implant device has a frame, two ramp assemblies, a threaded drive shaft and at least one base plate, preferably two. The frame has a first lateral side and a second lateral side and a distal end and a proximal end. Each ramp assembly has a translating ramp with a threaded opening, a first pivoting hinged ramp and a second pivoting hinged ramp. Each base plate is hinged to a first lateral side of the frame. Each base plate is hinged to the distal ramp assembly and the proximal ramp assembly at an end of one of said pivoting hinged ramps of each ramp assembly. The drive shaft has a distal drive shaft component having threads for translating the distal ramp assembly and a proximal drive shaft component having threads for translating the proximal ramp assembly.

Abstract: An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable interbody implant adapted for insertion at least into a disc space, between two adjacent vertebrae of a spine. An upper member and a lower member are pivotally connected at least by a drive link. A bone graft storage portion packed with a selected volume of bone growth material. A translational wall is provided between the bone graft storage portion and a trailing end of the implant. An actuator engages the bone graft storage portion, pushing it forward into engagement with the drive link, which pivots upward, moving the upper member upward away from the lower member. Upward movement of the upper member raises the translational wall to a position to assist in retention of the selected volume bone graft material within the hollow portion of the bone graft storage portion. Upward rotation of the drive link brings a face thereof into contact with a front of the bone graft storage portion, thereby retaining near constant volume of the bone graft material.

Abstract: Prosthesis holder (1) made of a radiolucent material for a disc prosthesis (2) constituted by at least two parts which are mobile in relation to each another, including, on one side an element (9) for coupling to a sleeve and on the other side, an element for reversible coupling to a disc prosthesis, the reversible coupling element is arranged in order to allow decoupling, by simple traction exerted perpendicularly to a spinal column when the disc prosthesis has been correctly impacted between two vertebrae and the retention force of the reversible coupling element on the disc prosthesis is adjusted so as not to allow decoupling by simple traction when the disc prosthesis has not been correctly impacted, and an assembly including a prosthesis holder and a disc prosthesis.

Abstract: A method of fusing a sacroiliac joint including implanting a joint implant into the sacroiliac joint such that the joint implant passes through an inferior boundary segment, the joint implant having an implanted position in the sacroiliac joint such that a portion of a body of the joint implant is positioned within a caudal portion of the sacroiliac joint. The method may include accessing the sacroiliac joint via a presacral surgical pathway having an entry point near the coccyx while being protected by an inflatable bowel retractor.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes a frame including an end member and an intermediate member pivotally coupled to the end member about a first pivot axis. The intervertebral implant includes a first vertebral contact member pivotally coupled to the frame about a second pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis, and a second vertebral contact member coupled to the frame. The frame is configured such that pivoting the intermediate member with respect to the end member about the first pivot axis changes both a width between the first vertebral contact member and the second vertebral contact member with respect to a direction that is substantially parallel to the second pivot axis, and changes a height between the first vertebral contact member and the second vertebral contact member with respect to a direction that is substantially parallel to the first pivot axis.

Abstract: An oblique expanding fusion cage device including a body with a superior portion and an inferior portion. The superior portion and the inferior portion have a proximal end and a distal end. The fusion cage device also includes a pathway, an opening, and an expanding member. The pathway travels from the proximal end to the distal end of the device between the superior and inferior portions. The opening in the proximal end of the body enables access to the pathway. The expanding member may be removably inserted into the opening and is moveable toward the distal end of the body, wherein the expanding member engages the superior portion and the inferior portion as the expanding member moves distally within the pathway.

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 intervertebral prosthetic implant having a first endplate having a first surface configured to substantially engage with a first vertebral body and a second surface having an extension with a concave contact surface, the concave contact surface being spaced apart from the second surface. A second endplate is provided with a first surface configured to substantially engage with a second vertebral body and a second surface comprising a convex contact surface, and the second endplate having a securing element positioned along and above the second surface defining a first and second window on opposing sides of the second surface. The securing element extends along the width and length of the lower endplate and configured with an access hole. An extension portion extends from the first surface of the first endplate through the access hole of the securing element and contacts the second surface of the second endplate.

Abstract: A unitarily formed expandable spinal implant for insertion in a disc space between two adjacent vertebrae. The unitarily formed expandable spinal implant is moveable from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration, and can be manufactured by a 3-dimensional printer. The unitarily formed expandable spinal implant includes an upper portion, a lower portion, a proximal wall, a first distal wall portion, a second distal wall portion, and a separator connected by at least one point of attachment to the spinal implant. A separation tool breaks the separator free from the at least one point of attachment, and moves the separator within the implant to force expansion thereof from the unexpanded configuration to the expanded configuration.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis that includes a biased coiling member and a conforming coiling member. The biased coiling member may be biased to curve from a substantially linear configuration to a nonlinear configuration. The conforming coiling member may be engaged with and curved by the biased coiling member from the substantially linear configuration to the nonlinear configuration. The biased coiling member may define a longitudinal axis when in the substantially linear configuration. The biased coiling member and the conforming coiling member may move relative to each other along the longitudinal axis. The prosthesis may be implanted in a surgical procedure that minimizes incision sizes and may be considered less invasive than typical implant procedures, especially spinal implant procedures.

Abstract: An expandable housing for an interbody fusion system has movable tapered external helical threaded members that travel along tracking to operably engage against the top and bottom shell members, urging them apart to cause expansion in the height of the housing. In an embodiment, the tapered members are disposed in a dual arrangement such that independent engagement of the tapered members along lateral portions of the top and bottom shells cause an angular tilt to the exterior surface of the housing when the tapered members are moved to different degrees. This function permits adjustment in the angular relationship between adjacent vertebrae and assists the lordotic adjustment of the patient's spine. When the functions of the device are used in combination by the surgeon, the device provides an effective tool for in situ adjustment when performing lateral lumbar interbody fusion.

Abstract: Technologies are generally provided for a spinal fusion device to achieve interbody fusion and maintain intervertebral spacing. The spinal fusion device includes at least two wedge-shaped intervertebral implants (IVIs) configured to be inserted between adjacent vertebrae, such that a thin end of each IVI is positioned toward a midline of the vertebrae, and a thick end of each IVI is positioned substantially flush with outer surfaces of the vertebrae. A lower surface of a superior vertebral body and an upper surface of an adjacent inferior vertebral body are resected to accommodate the IVIs, and a portion of an intervertebral disc (IVD) is also removed to facilitate insertion of the IVIs. The IVIs are inserted in substantially opposite positions to each other between the vertebrae, and an interconnecting member is inserted to connect the IVIs. The interconnecting member passes through residual IVD to stabilize the IVIs in position between the vertebrae.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expandable implant (11) with an upper plate (12) and a lower plate (16) which extend in the xy plane, which serve for anchoring on/in the vertebral support surfaces, and at least three gears (20, 25, 30) which are coupled to each other, wherein the gears (20, 25, 30) serve to expand the implant (11), and each gear (20, 25, 30) has a threaded spindle (21, 25, 31) and a threaded sleeve with corresponding inner thread (22, 27, 32), wherein the pitch of one thread (31, 32) is different from the pitch of the other threads (21, 22; 26, 27). The invention also relates to an operating instrument (80) for this implant.

Abstract: A PEEK spacer for use in the spine is disclosed. The PEEK spacer may be configured to fit through Kambin's Triangle and expand upon insertion.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a prosthetic spinal disc for replacing a damaged disc between two vertebrae of a spine and methods for inserting said discs. The intervertebral prosthetic discs are provided with connections for facilitating implantation and removal and features which enhance primary and secondary stability over time.

Abstract: An expandable interbody spacer (10) is provided that includes a pair of oppositely facing endplate components (20, 40) and an interior component that includes one or more vertically extending stacks of arranged C-clip members (70) radially surrounding one or more bosses (30) protruding interiorly from one of the endplates, wherein the size and configuration of the bosses and the C-clip members are designed to allow the incremental expansion of expandable interbody spacer.

Abstract: A facet joint replacement device includes an enclosing element including an enclosing body and an inferior attachment member. The enclosing body includes an inner cavity defined by an interior surface of the enclosing body, wherein a portion of the interior surface of the enclosing body forms a superior articulating surface. The facet joint replacement device also includes an inferior articulating element including an articulating body and a superior attachment member. The inferior articulating body is positioned within the inner cavity of the enclosing body of the enclosing element and is configured to move within the inner cavity of the enclosing body of the enclosing element. The inferior articulating body includes an inferior articulating surface. The movement of the articulating body of the inferior articulating element is constrained in at least one direction within the inner cavity of the enclosing body of the enclosing element.

Abstract: A methodology for grafting together adjacent bony structures is provided using an implant device having an endplate with an inner disc portion and outer ring portion spaced from the inner disc portion by a connecting wall disposed there between. An endplate interior surface includes a retaining structure for securing the endplate to one of the bony structures, and endplate an exterior surface has an integrally formed socket. A ball-joint rod has a longitudinally extending body and an end, and at least a portion of the ball-joint rod end is curvilinear in shape. The curvilinear ball-joint rod end is rotatably disposed in the endplate socket to fixedly interconnect the bony structures.

Abstract: A spinal cage includes a first support plate pivotally connected to a second support plate by a hinge, and a plate mover actuated by an actuator and located between the first and second support plates. The plate mover is arranged to slide against an inclined surface on the first support plate. A hinge is journaled in an elongate aperture formed in a hinge housing protruding from first support plate, the hinge being free to translate and rotate in the elongate aperture.

Abstract: A spacing device is provided for adjusting or measuring the spacing between adjacent vertebral bodies. The spacing device has a distal end with at least one distraction member adapted for insertion into an intervertebral disc space and movable between a low profile first configuration and a higher profile second configuration. Also provided is an actuator for moving the distraction member between the first configuration (for delivery of the distal end of the spacing device to a target disc space) and the second configuration (for manipulation or measurement of the space between adjacent vertebral bodies).

Abstract: A distraction device includes a cage distractor, two distractor blades, an inserter positioner, and a clip inserter. The cage distractor is selectively securable to the two distractor blades and includes two distractor housings moveable relative to one another. The inserter positioner is selectively securable to the two distractor blades and include a center member that is centered between the distractor blades when the inserter positioner is secured to the two distractor blades. The clip inserter is configured to secure a clip to a distal end thereof and is slidable through the center member to secure the clip to a cage distracted by the movement of the two distractor housings away from one another. The clip maintaining the distraction of the cage.

Abstract: An intervertebral support device to impose an anatomic distance between two adjacent vertebral bodies having a pair of vertebral support elements for introduction between the edge portions of the rear half of the vertebrae, at respective substantially symmetrical positions of the instantaneous rotation axis of the natural relative flexion-extension movement of the two adjacent vertebrae. The device assists stabilizing and/or restoring the correct position of the rotation axis, which characterizes the first stage of the degenerative breakdown, without significantly limiting the relative movement of the two vertebrae. The support elements have preferably a constraint means that constrains them to the edge portions of the vertebral bodies, in particular to resist the reaction force on the intervertebral disc.

Abstract: An artificial disc is provided which more closely matches the movement of the natural spine. The artificial disc uses one or more projections and corresponding recesses to provide a sliding articulation. The artificial joint is inherently stable in that compressive forces placed on the disc such as the weight placed upon the joint or the tension of surrounding tissues urges the joint towards a neutral position and not farther away from a neutral position.

Abstract: A selectively expanding spine cage has a minimized cross section in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the diameter of the neuroforamen through which it passes in the distracted spine. The cage conformably engages between the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to effectively distract the anterior disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. Expanding selectively (anteriorly, along the vertical axis of the spine) rather than uniformly, the cage height increases and holds the vertebrae with fixation forces greater than adjacent bone and soft tissue failure forces in natural lordosis. Stability is thus achieved immediately, enabling patient function by eliminating painful motion. The cage shape intends to rest proximate to the anterior column cortices securing the desired spread and fixation, allowing for bone graft in, around, and through the implant for arthrodesis whereas for arthroplasty it fixes to endpoints but cushions the spine naturally.

Abstract: A device for insertion into a spinal (intervertebral or intravertebral) space is expandable and contractable. The device includes a body assembly, a top member configured to fit within a gap in the body assembly, a drive gear disposed within the body assembly at a distal end of the body assembly, a proximal gear assembly, and a distal gear assembly. The drive gear includes a receiver accessible from outside the body assembly and configured to be rotated in order to rotate the drive gear. Each gear assembly is attached to the top member. The distal gear assembly engages the drive gear. Rotation of the drive gear in a first direction causes the gear assemblies to translate the top member away from the body assembly, and rotation of the drive gear in a second direction causes the gear assemblies to translate the top member towards the body assembly.

Abstract: An expandable spinal fusion implant including a housing, upper and lower endplates, a wedge positioned within the housing and between the upper and lower endplates and a drive mechanism to urge the wedge distally between the upper and lower endplates to increase the separation between the endplates and expand the overall height of the distal end of the implant.

Abstract: Example spinal implants and related apparatus and methods are disclosed. An example spinal implant includes an outer corpus and an inner corpus axially displaceably coupled to the outer corpus. A first lever accommodation is provided on the outer corpus and includes an elongated aperture. A first set of teeth are formed on a first side of the first lever accommodation. A second lever accommodation is provided on the inner corpus and includes an elongated aperture. A second set of teeth are formed on a second side of the second lever accommodation. The first and second lever accommodations are aligned. The example spinal implant includes a first guide on the inner corpus and a second guide on the outer corpus. The first and second guides allow for axial displacement of the inner corpus relative to the outer corpus and prevent rotation of the inner corpus relative to the outer corpus.

Abstract: A trapeziometacarpal joint implant includes a body defining a median plane, a metacarpal joint surface, and a trapezium joint surface. A first central region of the metacarpal joint surface is situated on an opposite side of the median plane from a second central region of the trapezium joint surface. The first and second central regions correspond to profiles of a first axial segment and a second axial segment, respectively. The first and second axial segments are one of a cylinder, a cone and a torus and are centered on a first axis and a second axis, respectively, where the first and second axes, as projected on the median plane, are substantially perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: An expandable interspinous spacer implant that is configured to be inserted into an interspinous space that is defined between a spinous process of a superior vertebral body and a spinous process of an inferior vertebral body is provided. The implant may include a superior housing, an inferior housing, and a distracting member. The superior housing may have an outer surface that is configured to engage the spinous process of the superior vertebral body and the inferior housing may have an outer surface that is configured to engage the spinous process of the inferior vertebral body. The distracting member may be disposed between the superior and inferior housings, such that activation of the distracting member distracts the superior and inferior housings apart from each other.

Abstract: In some examples, an apparatus includes a working surface including at least one material removal member. The material removal member is configured to remove at least some of a first portion of a first material. A protrusion extends outwardly from the working surface. The protrusion extends beyond the at least one material removal member by a first distance. The protrusion is configured to inhibit the at least one material removal member from removing at least a second portion of the first material. The second portion has a thickness substantially equal to the first distance.

Abstract: A spacer for separating bones of a joint, the spacer includes a frame having a longitudinal axis, and ramped surfaces. An endplate configured to engage a bone of the joint has ramped surfaces mateable with the ramped surfaces of the frame. When the endplate is moved relative to the frame in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the frame, the endplate is moved in a direction away from the frame to increase the height of the spacer. A second endplate configured to engage a second bone of the joint can be similarly configured.