Compositions and methods for etching an implantable device having a cobalt chrome surface are disclosed. The compositions generally include at least two mineral acids, iron (Fe), and certain component metals of the cobalt chrome to be etched. For example, when etching a cobalt chromium molybdenum alloy, the metals may include chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and optionally, cobalt (Co). The at least two mineral acids may include hydrochloric acid (HCl), nitric acid (HNO.sub.3), and hydrofluoric acid (HF). Alternatively, the composition may be an electrolyte composition useful for electrochemical etching of the implantable device. These compositions and methods may generate nanoscale geometry on the surface of the implantable device to provide implants with improved osseointegration, biocompatibility, and healing after surgery.

A multi-layer substrate apparatus includes a first layer configured to provide at least one electrical-based property. A second layer proximate to the first layer is configured to provide at least one mechanical-based property. A third proximate to the second layer includes at least one chemical component such that the third layer is enabled to regulate the multi-layer substrate apparatus based on a system that the multi-layer substrate apparatus is being used with. A fourth layer proximate to the third layer is configured to provide at least one magnetic-based property. A fifth layer proximate to the fourth layer is configured to provide support based on the system that the multi-layer substrate apparatus is being used with. The fifth layer includes a geometric portion that is configured to facilitate at least one process therein.

Assemblies of one or more implant structures make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of the SI-joint and/or lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. The representative lumbar spine interventions, which can be performed on adults or children, include, but are not limited to, SI-joint fusion or fixation; lumbar interbody fusion; translaminar lumbar fusion; lumbar facet fusion; trans-iliac lumbar fusion; and the stabilization of a spondylolisthesis.

Assemblies of one or more implant structures make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of the SI-joint and/or lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. The representative lumbar spine interventions, which can be performed on adults or children, include, but are not limited to, SI-joint fusion or fixation; lumbar interbody fusion; translaminar lumbar fusion; lumbar facet fusion; trans-iliac lumbar fusion; and the stabilization of a spondylolisthesis.

Assemblies of one or more implant structures make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of the SI-joint and/or lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. The representative lumbar spine interventions, which can be performed on adults or children, include, but are not limited to, SI-joint fusion or fixation; lumbar interbody fusion; translaminar lumbar fusion; lumbar facet fusion; trans-iliac lumbar fusion; and the stabilization of a spondylolisthesis.

Assemblies of one or more implant structures make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of the SI-joint and/or lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. The representative lumbar spine interventions, which can be performed on adults or children, include, but are not limited to, SI-joint fusion or fixation; lumbar interbody fusion; translaminar lumbar fusion; lumbar facet fusion; trans-iliac lumbar fusion; and the stabilization of a spondylolisthesis.

Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities. In some instances, such systems and methods include a femoral knee replacement component that includes an articular surface, a first interior surface, and a second interior surface, wherein the first and second interior surfaces run substantially parallel to each other. In some cases, the articular surface includes an anterior condylar extension that is configured to replace an anterior articular cartilage of a femur such that the anterior extension is configured to terminate adjacent to a proximal limit of the anterior articular cartilage of the femur. Other implementations are also discussed.

An implantable modular spacer device to treat an infected articular seat includes a stem element, a head or ball element, and coupling elements between the stem element and the head that include a plurality of elongated teeth, placed at pre-established distances from each other, and a plurality of housing seats for the teeth. An implantable spacer device to treat a bone seat or joint seat or for the two-step treatment of infections of joint prostheses includes a joint component adapted to be inserted in an articular zone of the patient and having an external surface, a stem component adapted to be implanted in a bone or in a residual bone bed of a preceding joint prosthesis, and adjustable connection elements, wherein at least part of the external surface of the first portion of the stem component and at least part of the external surface of the joint component define a contact surface with the bone tissue or adapted for coupling with the bone tissue. The connection elements are placed between the joint component and the stem component to adjust the distance thereof, and the contact surface in the joint component and/or in the stem component has a plurality of recesses or housing a filling material that includes a pharmaceutical or medical substance, wherein the plurality of recesses affects or is substantially placed along the entire contact surface or in proximity thereto.

The present invention relates to orthopedic implants. More specifically, the present invention is a series of orthopedic implants constructed from biocompatible material, each including a plurality of markers constructed from bioactive glass material, some of which are radio-opaque. In addition to providing recognizable markers for use by the surgeon implanting the device, the bioactive glass markers provide a lattice structure which allows for the in-growth of bone into portions of the implant. The in-growth provides enhanced structural integrity between the implant and the bone structure of the patient and may shorten healing time.

The invention relates to an implant for replacing bone or cartilage material, which is constituted by a plurality of elements (B, B1, B2, B3, B4) produced from a non-metallic, linearly elastic material, an element (B, B1, B2, B3, B4) being connected to adjacent elements (B, B1, B2, B3, B4) by a viscoelastic polymer material such that gaps (L) remain between the adjacent elements (B, B1, B2, B3, B4) and that the adjacent elements (B, B1, B2, B3, B4) can move relative to one another.