An artificial replacement disc includes a pair of substantially parallel plates formed to occupy a space defined by vertebral endplates, each of the plates including a plurality of spikes on a first surface and a concave trough formed on a second surface opposite of the first surface. A mobile core includes a core rim with opposing convex surfaces extending from opposite sides of the core rim, the mobile core being capable of being disposed between the pair of plates to permit the vertebral endplates to move relative to one another. The spikes on each of the plates extend substantially away from the mobile core and the convex surfaces are formed to integrally fit within the concave trough of at least one of the plates. The core rim limits lateral movement of the mobile core relative to the parallel plates. One or more insertion tools for inserting and implanting the replacement disc are also described.

An implant including first and second end plates, each of which defines at least one anterior ramped surface and at least one posterior ramped surface. A posterior actuator is positioned between the first and second end plates and has guiding ramp surfaces which correspond with the posterior ramped surfaces. An anterior actuator is positioned between the first and second end plates and guiding ramp surfaces which correspond with the anterior ramped surfaces. An actuator assembly extends between the posterior actuator and the anterior actuator and is configured to selectively move the posterior actuator and the anterior actuator simultaneously, move posterior actuator independently of the anterior actuator, or move the anterior actuator independently of the posterior actuator.

A spinal implant formed from a hinged distractor having an upper and lower support body that is hinged by use of pinions. An insert body is constructed and arranged to slide between the section to expand the height and to maintain a space therebetween. The insert body may include a leading edge that is tapered to allow ease of insertion. A trailing edge of the insert body includes a pin to allow ease of insertion along a curvature path.

A prosthetic disc can take the form of a sensing artificial disc that includes a resilient core and at least one sensor configured to sense one or more conditions within and/or experienced by the disc. The sensing artificial disc can serve as a replacement to a failed or injured disc between two vertebrae of a spine. The sensing artificial disc can include at least one element configured to change a condition or property of the resilient core in response to a condition sensed by the at least one sensor. A prosthetic disc can include therapeutic system configured to deliver medication to the body, which can include a reservoir of medication.

An expandable implant includes a lower support; an upper support pivotally coupled to the lower support and including a control channel; and a control assembly. The control assembly includes a control shaft coupled to the lower support and a control member coupled to the control shaft and configured to move along the control shaft. The control member includes a base member and a pivot member pivotally coupled to the base member, the pivot member configured to move within the control channel. Movement of the control member along the control shaft causes the pivot member to pivot relative to the base member, and the upper support to pivot relative to the lower support.

An expandable intervertebral implant is provided for insertion into an intervertebral space defined by adjacent vertebrae. The expandable intervertebral implant includes a pair of outer sleeve portions and an inner core disposed between the outer sleeve portions. Movement of the inner core relative to the outer sleeve portions causes the outers sleeve portions to deflect away from each other, thereby engaging the expandable intervertebral implant with the vertebrae and adjusting the height of the intervertebral space.

An expandable vertebral body device, system, instrument, and methods of assembly and using the device, system, and instrument are disclosed. The vertebral body device includes a body with a first end and a second end, a first rotating member rotatably coupled to the first end, a second rotating member rotatably coupled to the second end, a first extension member moveably coupled to the first end, and a second extension member moveably coupled to the second end. The expandable cage system comprises a vertebral body device and an insertion instrument. Methods for assembling and using the vertebral body device and instrument are also disclosed.

Intervertebral implants for implanting into an intervertebral space are provided. The implants can comprise one or more layers that are operably attached to one another. An implant can comprise a first layer having a first mating surface that mates with a second mating surface of a second layer. The first mating surface and the second mating surface can have features that allow them to complement each other. The implants can include one or more bore holes for receiving a fixation member. The bore holes can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. In some cases, the bore holes will be blind bore holes.

Methods for accessing a disc space of a patient as a part of an interbody fusion, as well as the tools employed therewith. An exemplary method may include inserting a leading end of a tool into the patient's back at a location on the posterior surface that is laterally offset from a patient's spinous process and disc. The tool's initial entry into the patient may be from a posterior approach. As the tool is advanced along its designated path, it begins to deviate from the posterior approach towards a lateral approach. When the leading end reaches the disc, it may access the disc from a lateral or substantially lateral location. The tool may be used to access the disc location, to remove disc material, to deliver a cutting tool for removing the disc material, and other steps associated with the spinal interbody fusion procedure.

A prosthesis for spinal surgery includes a spacer adapted to be secured into the bone and attached to one of a plurality of configuration plates. The configuration plates are interchangeable and each one is configured to utilize a different combination of bone screws, anchors or both. The prosthesis may further include a retaining mechanism to prevent bone screws and/or anchors from backing out.