A fusion cage has a first component that defines an outside surface that is configured to engage a vertebral endplate, and an interior surface. The fusion cage has a second component that defines first and second opposed surfaces. One of the first and second opposed surfaces can mate with the interior surface of the first component. The fusion cage can include vertical and lateral throughholes adapted to enhance fusion.

An implantable mesh including demineralized bone fibers mechanically entangled into a biodegradable or permanent implantable mesh is provided. A method of preparing the implantable mesh is also provided. The method of preparing the implantable mesh includes mechanically entangling demineralized bone fibers with non-bone fibers to form the implantable mesh. The mechanical entanglement of the bone fibers into the implantable mesh is achieved by applying needle punching with barbed needles, spun lacing, entanglement with water jets or air jets or ultrasonic entanglement with ultrasonic waves. A method of implanting an implantable mesh at a target bone tissue site is also provided.

A new insight on the lubrication of artificial joint components is presented. Addition of small amounts of nanoscale diamond particles to an artificial joint promotes a substantial improvement in friction and wear behavior of the artificial joint surfaces. Artificial joint implants are made from a variety of materials ranging from metal alloys to polymers. Suitable methods of applying nanoscale diamond particles to an artificial joint include (i) coating an effective amount of nanoscale diamond particles onto the artificial joint prior to implants; (ii) applying a composition to the artificial joint during an artificial joint implanting surgery, wherein said composition comprises a biocompatible carrier fluid and an effective amount of nanoscale diamond particles dispersed in the biocompatible carrier fluid; (iii) injecting the composition for lubricating the artificial joint into the artificial joint.

A unitary intervertebral device, having no moving components is provided for non-fusion articulation and fusion applications. The interbody articulating device allows for limited flexion and rotation between the implant and an adjacent vertebrae, helping to preserve or restore near-normal motion between adjacent vertebrae. Rotational motion is achieved through one or more protrusions incorporated into the spinal interbody device. In one articulating form, a first protrusion extends perpendicularly from one bearing surface of the interbody device to form a rotational protrusion, while at least a second protrusion extends from the opposite bearing surface of the interbody device to form a non-rotational protrusion. In another form, a single protrusion extends axially from one bearing surface of the interbody device to form a spike or anchoring, rotating protrusion, while the opposite bearing surface may be slightly rounded and/or comprising a bone-ingrowth promoting surface. Similarly configured fusion salvage devices are also described.

An implant (30) for a mammalian bone joint (3) for spacing a first bone (2) of the joint from a second bone (1) of the joint while allowing translational movement of the second bone in relation to the first bone is described. The implant comprises (a) a distal part (31) configured for intramedullary engagement with an end of the second bone, (b) a proximal part (34) having a platform (15) configured for non-engaging abutment of an end of the first bone and translational movement thereon, and (c) an articulating coupling (10, 16) provided between the distal and proximal ends allowing controlled articulation of the first and second bones. The bone-abutting platform is shaped to conform to and translate upon the end of the first bone. A kit for assembly to form the implant of the invention, and the use of the implant to treat osteoarthritis in a bone joint, are also described.

An elbow prosthesis according to the present teachings can include a stem structure and an articulating component. The stem structure can be operable to be positioned in a bone of a joint. The stem structure can include a stem portion that is operable to be positioned in the bone and a C-shaped body portion having a first retaining mechanism formed thereon. The articulating component can have a second retaining mechanism formed thereon. One of the first and second retaining mechanisms can comprise an extension portion and a first anti-rotation portion. The other retaining mechanism can comprise a receiving portion and a second anti-rotation portion. The articulating component can be advanced from an insertion position to an assembled position, such that the first and second mechanisms cooperatively interlock to inhibit translation and rotation of the articulating component relative to the C-shaped body portion of the stem structure.

An intervertebral implant includes a body and a plate. The body has an upper surface defining an upper plane and a lower surface defining a lower plane. First and second fastener holes of the plate are configured to retain the heads of first and second fasteners. A portion of each of the shanks of the first and second fasteners extends from the first and second fastener holes beyond the upper plane. The shank portions of the first and second fasteners are curved in a direction away from the upper surface. The third fastener hole is configured to retain the head of the third fastener between the upper and lower planes. A portion of the shank of the third fastener extends from the third fastener hole beyond the lower plane. The shank portion of the third fastener is curved in a direction away from the lower surface.

A biocompatible polymer hybrid nanocomposite coating on a surface of a substrate, such as titanium and its alloys. The coating can be achieved by an electrostatic spray coating, preferably using ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) as a matrix for the coating. For example, up to 2.95 wt. % carbon nanotubes can be used as reinforcement, as can up to 4.95 wt. % hydroxyapatite. A dispersion of CNTs and HA in the coating is substantially uniform. The tribological performance of such coatings include high hardness, improved scratch resistance, excellent wear resistance, and corrosion resistance compared to pure UHMWPE coatings.

Technologies are generally provided for devices, systems, and methods to provide spinal fixation, spinal stabilization, and/or spinal fusion. Example devices may include a first end and a second end with a middle portion extending between the first and second end. The first end may be configured to be in contact with a portion of a first or upper vertebra and the second end may be configured to be in contact with a portion of a second or lower vertebra in an adjacent vertebral pair. Portions of the vertebra which may be in contact with the device may include lamina, processes, vertebral bodies, and facet joints. The example devices may include bone engagement features, such as screws or similar fasteners, to enhance stabilization and fixation when in contact with the vertebrae. Additionally, the devices may include a bone integration feature to promote bone growth and to facilitate fusion between the vertebrae.

An implant (30) for a mammalian bone joint (3) for spacing a first bone (2) of the joint from a second bone (1) of the joint while allowing translational movement of the second bone in relation to the first bone is described. The implant comprises (a) a distal part (31) configured for intramedullary engagement with an end of the second bone, (b) a proximal part (34) having a platform (15) configured for non-engaging abutment of an end of the first bone and translational movement thereon, and (c) an articulating coupling (10, 16) provided between the distal and proximal ends allowing controlled articulation of the first and second bones. The bone-abutting platform is shaped to conform to and translate upon the end of the first bone. A kit for assembly to form the implant of the invention, and the use of the implant to treat osteoarthritis in a bone joint, are also described.