Abstract: An interbody endcap comprises at least one member configured for connection with an interbody implant. The at least one member has a thickness that permits bone growth therethrough and a uniform surface configuration that resists and/or prevents egress of bone graft from a cavity of the interbody implant. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An interbody endcap includes a wall having a first surface connected to an interbody implant and a second surface including an arcuate portion configured for engagement with a vertebral endplate surface. The second surface extends outwardly from the interbody implant to at least adjacent a perimeter of the vertebral endplate surface. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an implant for interfacing with a bone structure includes a web structure including a space truss. The space truss includes two or more planar truss units having a plurality of struts joined at nodes and the web structure is configured to interface with human bone tissue. In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes accessing an intersomatic space and inserting an implant into the intersomatic space. The implant includes a web structure including a space truss. The space truss includes two or more planar truss units having a plurality of struts joined at nodes and the web structure is configured to interface with human bone tissue.

Abstract: A delivery system comprising a covering containing at least a first substance for release to a surgical site is provided. The covering includes an elongated containment portion having at least one compartment, wherein the covering includes an elongated containment having a first end and a second end. At one end the elongated containment defines an opening configured to receive at least one substance. The at least one substance can be DBM or a mixture of demineralized fibers and particles in a ratio of 30:70. The delivery system also includes a closing member that can close the elongated containment prior to insertion at a surgical site. The closing member can be drawing strings, stitches, sutures, wing sutures, heat seals, adhesion, pressure fittings, coil ring, twist tie. The substance contained in the delivery system can also be enclosed by twisting and folding over a portion of the covering.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant comprises a first component and a second component. The second component includes an actuator and a third component comprises a first ramp and a second ramp axially spaced apart from the first ramp. The third component comprises rails including at least a portion of the ramps. At least one of the ramp portions disposed with the first rail has a first height and at least one of the ramp portions disposed with the second rail has a second height. The first height is greater than the second height. The actuator is engageable with the third component to effect axial translation such that the ramps engage at least one of the components between a first configuration and a second configuration. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical implant device for controlling the movement between a first bone or tissue portion and a second bone or tissue portion includes a first elongated member connectable for movement with the first bone or tissue portion and a second elongated member connectable for movement with the first bone or tissue portion. The first elongated member and the second elongated member are connected by a flexible joint configured to allow the first elongated member to pivot, move axially, and/or rotate relative to the second elongated member. At least one resilient member is associated with the flexible joint to resist relative movement of the first elongated member relative to the second elongated member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for restoration of human or animal bone anatomy, which may include introduction, into a bone of an expansible implant capable of expansion in a single determined plane, positioning the expansible implant in the bone in order to correspond the single determined plane with a bone restoration plane and opening out the expansible implant in the bone restoration plane. A first support surface and a second support surface spread tissues within bone. The embodiments of the invention may also include injecting a filling material around the implant.

Abstract: A method of at least partially removing the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc comprising the nucleus and an annulus surrounding the nucleus is described. The method comprises the steps of: insonating the nucleus with ultrasound thereby to cause at least partial fragmentation of the nucleus; and extracting at least part of the fragmented nucleus. A system for performing the method is also described.

Abstract: An implantable orthopedic stability device is disclosed. The device can have a contracted and an expanded configuration. A method of using the device between adjacent facet surfaces for support and/or fixation of either or both of the adjacent vertebrae is also disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable fusion device may include a first endplate, and a second endplate. The expandable fusion device also may include a first ramp configured to mate with both the first and second endplates. The first ramp may be a wedge with an incline extending along a longitudinal axis of the expandable fusion device, and also may be a wedge having an incline extending along a lateral axis of the expandable fusion device. A second ramp may be configured to mate with both the first and second endplates. The first ramp may be a wedge having an incline extending along the longitudinal axis of the expandable fusion device, and also may be wedge having an incline extending along the lateral axis of the expandable fusion device.

Abstract: Implantable devices are provided for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae and the lumbosacral region of a patient. The devices can comprise an interspinous flexible spacer body having a substantially U-shape comprising a superior section, inferior section, and a midsection extending therebetween. The superior and/or inferior sections can include a pair of lateral walls configured to engage a spinous process of a vertebra. Fixation caps can be provided for securing a spinous process of a vertebra to the flexible spacer body. To secure the flexible spacer body between the lumbar vertebra and an adjacent vertebra, an anchor assembly is provided. Also provided are methods of using the implantable devices to stabilize a patient's spine.

Abstract: The invention concerns an intervertebral prosthesis placement instrument which can be used to facilitate accurate positioning of a spinal disc prosthesis between adjacent spinal vertebrae. The instrument (10) has opposed jaws 12 formed with tips (24) that are shaped for insertion between the vertebrae. The jaws can be moved apart from one another to distract the vertebrae, allowing the prosthesis to enter between the vertebrae. The jaws also have opposed surfaces which are shaped to embrace the prosthesis between them and to guide the prosthesis into position.

Abstract: An interbody distractor and geometry trial instrument to measure a height and an angle for an associated implant includes a height handle and an expansion head coupled to the height handle that is adapted to be positioned in a vertebral body. A wedge sleeve is coupled to the expansion head, to control an angle of a first surface plate and a second surface plate of the expansion head when the wedge sleeve interacts with the expansion head. A wedge sleeve knob is adapted to drive the wedge sleeve linearly towards the vertebral body when the wedge sleeve knob is actuated. A height of the expansion head and an angle of the first and the second surface plate are measured to determine the height and the angle of the associated implant when the height handle and the wedge sleeve knob are actuated.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant system includes an intervertebral implant. The implant includes a body having an upper surface extending generally in a first plane. The upper surface has a first plurality of longitudinal grooves and a second plurality of transverse grooves extending therealong. Portions of the upper surface extend between adjacent longitudinal grooves and transverse grooves form individual peaks. A lower surface extends generally in a second plane, parallel to the first plane. The lower surface has a third plurality of longitudinal grooves and a fourth plurality of transverse grooves extending therealong. Portions of the lower surface extend between adjacent longitudinal grooves and transverse grooves form individual peaks.

Abstract: A device for locking a bone fastening or fixation mechanism in a receiving member of a medical implant (corpectomy cage or cervical cage). The locking mechanism is kept in place (both in its locked and unlocked positions) using a retaining mechanism. The retaining mechanism also provides predetermined locked and unlocked positions that are readily moved to by the practitioner and maintained in position once placed there.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to methods for detecting unstable plasma in a substrate processing chamber. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a forward power from a power source to the substrate processing chamber through a detection device, splitting the forward power passing through the detection device at a predetermined ratio to obtain a first value of the power to the substrate processing chamber, measuring a reflected power from the substrate processing chamber to obtain a second value of the power from the substrate processing chamber, and directing the power source to turn off the forward power if the second value of the power is different than the first value of the power.

Abstract: A patch (1) for the replacement of a portion of bladder wall, following partial cystectomy, comprises a textile (2) derived from a PGA yarn and provided with a star-shaped support frame, flexible and harmonic, formed by a plurality of radial strips (3) manufactured by injection of a PGA/PLA copolymer, the patch (1) being suitable for making autologous fibrous capsule cells, generated by the process of tissue reconstruction, grow thereon after its insertion inside the patient.

Abstract: Radiolucent composite implants. Some embodiments include reconfiguration indicators. Some embodiments include radio-opaque markers, especially along contours. Some embodiments are provided in kit form with accessories such as radiolucent drill guides and/or drives. Some embodiments have fiber reinforcement adapted for various usage scenarios. Some embodiments include metal components, for example, to increase strength. Also described are manufacturing methods.

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 expandable fusion device capable of being inserted between adjacent vertebrae and expanded laterally to facilitate the fusion process and the use of such device. The expandable fusion device can expand laterally such that it expands the cross-sectional support area of the device to provide more stable support of the support the spine and maintain the normal spacing between opposing vertebrae. The interior area of the expandable fusion device (in which the bone graft can be packed) does not decrease (and generally increases) during expansion of the device. This facilitates pre-packing of the expandable fusion device before utilization.

Abstract: An implant stabilizes two adjacent bones of a joint, while enabling a natural kinematic relative movement of the bones. Support components are connected to each bone of the joint, and a flexible core is interposed between them. The core and at least one of the support components are provided with a smooth sliding surface upon which the core and support component may slide relative to each other, enabling a corresponding movement of the bones. The surfaces may have a mating curvature, to mimic a natural movement of the joint. The core is resilient, and may bend or compress, enabling the bones to move towards each other, and or to bend relative to each other.

Abstract: A prosthetic intervertebral disc and methods for using the same are provided. The subject prosthetic discs are characterized by including top and bottom endplates separated by a fibrous compressible element that includes an annular region and a nuclear region. The two plates are held together at least one fiber wound around at least one region of the top endplate and at least one region of the bottom endplate. The subject discs may be employed with separate vertebral body fixation elements, or they may include integrated vertebral body fixation elements. Also provided are kits and systems that include the subject prosthetic discs.

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: Interspinous process implants are disclosed. Also disclosed are systems and kits including such implants, methods of inserting such implants, and methods of alleviating pain or discomfort associated with the spinal column.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes an insertion end, an opposing engagement end, and first and second opposed main surfaces configured to contact respective adjacent vertebral endplates. Each of the first and second main surfaces has an anterior edge, a posterior edge, and extends between the insertion and engagement ends. Anterior and posterior walls are formed between the first and second main surfaces and along the respective anterior and posterior edges and converge at the insertion and engagement ends. A slot is formed at the engagement end and extends continuously between and at least partially along the anterior and posterior walls. A post is positioned within the slot, spaced from at least one of the anterior and posterior walls and extending at least partially between the first and second main surfaces. The post includes a plurality of exposed facets and is configured for engagement with a pivotable insertion instrument.

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 artificial disc device for replacing a damaged nucleus is disclosed. In one form, the device may be inserted in components such that the device may be assembled within and retained by the natural annulus therein. In another form, the device may be inserted into the natural annulus in a collapsed or compressed state or arrangement and then be expanded within and retained by the annulus therein. In a further form, the device may be provided with a releasable connection so that the device may be connected in an insertion configuration and may be released in an operable configuration. Insertion tools and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Interbody fusion devices including deployable fixation members. The implant may include a spacer, optionally, an end member coupled to the spacer, and one or more fixation members configured to extend into adjacent vertebrae. The fixation members may include screws, nails, shims, tangs, spikes, staples, pins, blades, fins, or the like, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A process for inserting a pivotable interbody spacer including an insertion instrument configured to manipulate a pivotable interbody spacer during insertion, wherein the insertion instrument includes means for coupling the interbody spacer and a means for fixing the angular position of the interbody spacer. According to one method for inserting an interbody spacer in a spinal disk space, the interbody spacer is grasped by the insertion instrument and fixed at a first angular position. The interbody spacer is next inserted into a surgical site. Next, the interbody spacer is released from a first angular position. Then, the insertion instrument is pivoted about a coupling of the interbody spacer such that the interbody spacer is in a second angular position. The angular position of the interbody spacer is then fixed in the second angular position. This insertion process continues until the interbody spacer is positioned in the desired location.

Abstract: An angled instrument assembly includes an angled sleeve, a driver shaft, and a tool bit. The angled sleeve includes a straight passage segment that meets an angled passage segment at a junction. The junction includes an inner elbow and an outer elbow. Material is removed from the inner surface of the inner elbow in order to improve the ease with which the driver shaft can be moved in and out of the angled sleeve. The assembly can also include drafted female or male engagement bodies for facilitating the engagement and disengagement of the tool bit with a tool bit engagement assembly located at the distal end of the driver shaft.

Abstract: A system for flexibly stabilizing a vertebral motion segment by connecting a first vertebra and a second vertebra is disclosed. The system includes an elongate connection element with end portions interconnected by a flexible coupling member. The system includes first and second attachment portions for connecting the connection element to the vertebrae. A first resilient member is positioned between the first end portion and the first attachment portion, and a second resilient member is positioned between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. The system is designed such that the second resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions move towards each other, and the first resilient member is compressed when the first and second attachment portions extend away from each other.

Abstract: A modular dynamic pedicle screw system including anchoring device having a threaded shank for anchoring within a vertebra, an intermediate element and a head portion configured to receive and secure a rigid or non-rigid stabilization rod. The threaded shank, the intermediate element and the head portion of the anchoring device are cannulated to permit percutaneous implantation of the device. The intermediate portion is designed to be removable from the threaded shank portion subsequent to implantation of the anchoring device to enable substitution of another intermediate element having different dynamic characteristics. The dynamic stabilization system includes an adjustable torque limiting device that is interchangeable between a tap device and a screw driver. The torque device provides information relative to the patient's bone quality inter-operatively in order to determine the appropriate modulus of elasticity for the dynamic pedicle screw.

Abstract: An intervertebral scaffolding system is provided having a central beam having a proximal portion having an end, a grafting portion having a top and a bottom, a distal portion having a end, a central beam axis, a graft distribution channel having an entry port at the end of the proximal portion, a top exit port at the top of the grafting portion, and a bottom exit port at the bottom of the grafting portion. These systems can also include a laterovertically-expanding frame operable for a reversible collapse from an expanded state into a collapsed state. The expanded state, for example, can be configured to have an open graft distribution window that at least substantially closes upon the reversible collapse.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intervertebral fusion implant for fusing two adjacent vertebrae, comprising an adjustable support body, the base surface and cover surface of which are configured to bear on end plates of the adjacent vertebrae, wherein provision is made for a side bracket, which can be pivoted laterally about a hinge and the base and cover of which have a planar design, and provision is made for an actuator for pivoting out the side bracket into a position (working position) spread from the support body. As a result, the implant has particularly small dimensions and can, after assembly at the envisaged implantation site, be actuated in such a way that it becomes larger and thereby affords a larger support surface for support in the intervertebral space. Thus, even comparatively large-area defects can be treated by minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: An expandable implant (210, 410) includes top and bottom plates (220, 250, 420, 450) having angled inner surfaces (222, 252, 422, 452) that interact with expansion members (300, 302, 500, 502). The expansion members (300, 302, 500, 502) may be situated on an actuator (280, 480), and may include at least one vertical projection (312, 314, 512, 514) for interacting with a recess (230, 430) in the plates (220, 250, 420, 450). In some instances, rotation of the actuator (280, 480) in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members (300, 302, 500, 502) to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation or collapse of the top and bottom plates (220, 250, 420, 450). Pins (316, 516) may also be associated with the expansion members (300, 302, 500, 502) and received in respective slots (318, 518) in the plates (220, 250, 420, 450).

Abstract: An expandable support device for tissue repair is disclosed. The device can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone or vertebral discs. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. The device and method can be used to treat compression fractures. The compression fractures can be in the spine. The device can be deployed by compressing the device longitudinally resulting in radial expansion.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an expandable intervertebral body fusion device with two expansion wedges within a generally hollow main body. After implantation into the intervertebral disc space, the expansion wedges are simultaneously moved from the center of the device toward the ends, which flexes the arms of the cage and increases the size of the implant. This expansion stabilizes the device in the disc space and increases the disc height, thereby reducing foraminal compression of spinal nerves and creating a stable motion segment for eventual fusion. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: An adjustable spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume and/or cross sectional area in the spinal canal and/or neural foramen. The adjustable implant provides a spinal extension inhibitor. The implant includes elliptical or oval shaped adjustable member or spacer for positioning between and adjustably spacing apart the spinous processes.

Abstract: An intervertebral spinal spacer that can include a substantially annular body that can include an upper surface, a lower surface, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The inner surface of the substantially annular body can define an internal cavity. The annular body can include a plurality of outer apertures and a plurality of inner apertures connected by a plurality of fluid passages that can draw fluid into the internal cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in spinal fusion procedures. An exemplary interbody fusion device includes a synthetic non-metallic radiolucent interbody spacer having an opening formed between its top and bottom surfaces. A cancellous allograft plug is configured to be disposed within the opening formed in the spacer. The cancellous allograft plug can be reconstituted with a material that will help to facilitate fusion of the vertebrae.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The implant body includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an outer surface that defines an oblique surface. A wall is connectable with the implant body and translatable relative to the oblique surface. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An intervertebral prosthesis includes: a body; a first aperture extending from within the body and opening; a first anchoring element disposed within the first aperture and including a shaft having proximal and distal ends, where the proximal end of the first anchoring element includes a first portion of a first articulation mechanism; and a drive mechanism having: (i) a threaded shaft defining a longitudinal axis thereof and a head at a proximal end of the threaded shaft, (ii) a translator element having a threaded bore in threaded engagement with the threaded shaft, and a coupling element having a corresponding second portion of the first articulation mechanism, where the first and second portions of the first articulation mechanism engage one another such that the first anchoring element articulates relative to the a translator element.

Abstract: A laterally deflectable asymmetric implant for implanting into a body may comprise a deflectable piece having distal and proximal ends and assuming a straightened insertion state. The backbone may abut or interconnect with said deflectable piece at the distal end of the deflectable piece. In a fully deflected state the implant may define an asymmetric shape, e.g. a D-shaped loop, defining an at least partially enclosed volume. The deflectable piece may comprise a sequence of segments interconnected at effective hinges. Longitudinal pressure applied to the proximal end of the deflectable piece (or applied to the backbone in an opposite direction) may cause relative longitudinal movement between the backbone and the proximal end of the deflectable piece and may generate outward horizontal movement of the deflectable piece away from the backbone. In one embodiment, the implant is implanted using lateral access into an anterior zone of a vertebra and deployed posteriorly.

Abstract: An example device for the fixation and support of bone bodies includes a base member for implantation into a patient at a location between two bone bodies. The base member of the device includes an enclosed chamber for receiving fusion material and apertures for receiving bone fasteners that can be embedded into the adjacent bone bodies. The device further includes protrusions extending from the base member, wherein the protrusions are configured for engagement with one or more bone bodes upon implantation and for progressive penetration into at least one bone body over a period of time subsequent to the implantation.

Abstract: This description deals with a medical device, specifically a prosthetic intervertebral disc having a compressible core and at least one cast, polymeric end plate.

Abstract: A spinal fusion system for positioning between two vertebral bodies is presented. The system can have a substantially rigid body and a substantially rigid plate connected to a portion of the posterior face of the substantially rigid body that extends away from and substantially transverse to the posterior face of the substantially rigid body. The system also has a first implant body and a second implant body configured to matingly connect to one another with at least a portion of the substantially rigid plate positioned therebetween. The combination of the first and second implant bodies and the substantially rigid plate is configured for insertion between the two vertebral bodies.

Abstract: An implant has a first contact surface to contact a first vertebral body endplate and a second contact surface to contact a second vertebral body endplate adjacent the first vertebral body. The implant is deployable, when positioned within an intradiscal space between the first and second vertebral bodies, from a first non-expanded condition where the first contact surface has a first effective footprint area A1 to a second expanded condition where the first contact surface has a second effective footprint area A2. The ratio A2/A1 is at least 1.05.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a first member including a wall that defines a first cavity and a second member including a wall defining a second cavity. At least one first expandable bone graft is disposable within the second cavity. The second member is axially translatable relative to the first member between a first configuration and a second, expanded configuration such that at least a portion of the at least one first graft is disposed within the first cavity and the first cavity includes a substantially void portion. At least one second bone graft has a selective configuration and dimension for disposal within the substantially void portion. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An interbody fusion device including a body member, at least one side member engaging the body member, and at least one movement mechanism that engages at least one side member and the body member. A surgical method for maintaining a space between two vertebral bodies in a spine, including the steps of obtaining a medical device, such as an interbody fusion device, and inserting and coupling an expansion tool into an opening within the medical device. The surgical method also including slidingly inserting the medical device into a space between two vertebral bodies and rotating the expansion tool to move the at least one side member in a direction relative to the body member. The method may further include detaching the expansion tool from the medical device and removing the tool from the space between the two vertebral bodies in the spine.

Abstract: A separate nub component between the plate and an intervertebral fusion cage, wherein the nub is attached to the plate. The nub lessens the undesired pivotal movement of the plate. It is believed that when the nub fits snugly between the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, it acts as a stop against the undesired pivotal movement of the plate.