Methods, compositions, and systems are provided for characterization of modified nucleic acids. In certain preferred embodiments, single molecule sequencing methods are provided for identification of modified nucleotides within nucleic acid sequences. Modifications detectable by the methods provided herein include chemically modified bases, enzymatically modified bases, abasic sites, non-natural bases, secondary structures, and agents bound to a template nucleic acid.

Arcuate fixation members with varying configurations and/or features are provided, along with additional components for use therewith in provided intervertebral implants. The arcuate fixation members may be of different lengths, cross sectional geometries, and/or cross sectoinal areas. Applications of intervertebral implants utilizing arcuate fixation members are particularly suitable when a linear line-of-approach for delivering fixation members is undesirable.

A method and apparatus are provided for making a temporary hip joint prosthesis. The method includes horizontally positioning each half of a two-part mold having a respective impression of a front side and a backside of a hip joint prosthesis. The method includes level filling the selected impressions with a bone cement mixture. The method includes rotating one half of the two-part mold to align the front side and back side of the hip joint prosthesis. The method includes maintaining the two halves of the two-part mold in contact as portions of the bone cement mixture in each half adhere together and cures. The method includes removing a hip joint prosthesis from the two-part mold.

An interbody spinal implant including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing lateral sides, and opposing anterior and posterior portions. At least a portion of the top surface, the bottom surface, or both surfaces has a roughened surface topography including both micro features and nano features, without sharp teeth that risk damage to bone structures, adapted to grip bone through friction generated when the implant is placed between two vertebrae and to inhibit migration of the implant. The roughened surface topography typically further includes macro features and the macro features, micro features, and nano features overlap. Also disclosed are methods of using such implants and processes of fabricating a roughened surface topography on a surface of an implant. The process includes separate and sequential macro processing, micro processing, and nano processing steps.

A spinal implant includes a first member having a wall that defines an axial cavity. A second member extends between a first end and a second end and defines a longitudinal axis. The second member is configured for disposal with the axial cavity and translation relative to the first member. A third member has an outer surface engageable with tissue and an inner surface disposed to dynamically engage the first end in response to the engagement of the outer surface with the tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.

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.

Reinforced biocomposite materials. According to at least some embodiments, medical implants are provided that incorporate novel structures, alignments, orientations and forms comprised of such reinforced bioabsorbable materials, as well as methods of treatment thereof.

A bone-repair composite includes a core and a sheath. The core is a first primary unit including a combination of a first set of yarns coated with a calcium phosphate mineral layer. The first set of yarns being made from a first group of one or more polymers. The sheath is a second primary unit a combination of a second set of yarns or one or more polymer coatings. The second set of yarns being made from a second group of one or more polymers, wherein the composite is made by covering the core with the sheath, and the composite is compression molded to allow the sheath to bond to the core. The bone-repair composite has a bending modulus comparable to that of a mammalian bone, such that the ratio of the core to the sheath is provided to maximize the mechanical strength of the bone-repair composite to mimic the mammalian bone.

A spinal implant includes a first member having a wall that defines an axial cavity. A second member extends between a first end and a second end and defines a longitudinal axis. The second member is configured for disposal with the axial cavity and translation relative to the first member. A third member has an outer surface engageable with tissue and an inner surface disposed to dynamically engage the first end in response to the engagement of the outer surface with the tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.

The present disclosure relates to the field of medical instruments, in particular to a pad for acetabular bone revision and reconstruction and a fixing structure for a pad and an acetabular cup prosthesis. The pad is located between an acetabular cup prosthesis and the acetabular bone, and is connected to the acetabular cup prosthesis and the acetabular bone respectively. The pad includes a first component and a second component which has the same or different radius and shape as or from the radius and shape of the first component; the first component is movably connected with the second component; and the shape of the connected first component and second component is matched with a defective part of the acetabular bone.