A device is disclosed that includes a bone stent positioned within a bony access channel formed within a vertebra. The bony access channel may extends from an outer end of the vertebra through an endplate. The device includes an end cap attached to a proximal end portion of the bone stent and is configured to, post-operatively, open to allow a reintroduction of a material to a spinal intradiscal space or intervertebral disc and to seal access to the spinal intradiscal space or the intervertebral disc after the reintroduction of the material.

A spinal implant includes a body having an inner surface and a connecting wall. The inner surface defines at least one cavity and the connecting wall is disposed about the at least one cavity. The connecting wall defines at least one opening. An agent is disposable with the at least one cavity. Spinal constructs, surgical instruments, systems and methods are disclosed.

Embodiments are directed to a spinal implant device for reducing effects of a spinal disc herniation that includes a support frame, where the support frame has a first end, a second end, and a mounting hole for receiving a fastener that attaches the support frame to a vertebra, and a cushion attached to the support frame. Embodiments are also directed to a system for implanting a medical device to a spine that includes a spinal implant device having a support frame, where the support frame has a first end, a second end, and a mounting hole, and a cushion attached to the support frame. The system also includes a fastener for attaching the spinal implant device to a vertebra, where the spinal implant device is moveable to align the cushion to a disc space created after a portion of a herniated disc is removed during surgery.

A bone fusion method, apparatus and device for insertion between bones that are to be fused together and/or in place of one or more of the bones, such as, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable plates having a central rib. The bone fusion device includes one or more support channels configured to receive an insertion instrument that is then secured to the bone fusion device via a coupling mechanism. As a result, the coupled device is able to be securely positioned between vertebrae using the insertion instrument with minimal risk of slippage.

A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

Enzymatic and non-enzymatic detectors and associated membrane apparatus, and methods of use, such as within a fully implantable sensor apparatus. In one embodiment, detector performance is controlled through selective use of membrane configurations and enzyme region shapes, which enable accurate detection of blood glucose level within the solid tissue of the living host for extended periods of time. Isolation between the host's tissue and the underlying enzymes and reaction byproducts used in the detectors is also advantageously maintained in one embodiment via use of a non-enzyme containing permeable membrane formed of e.g., a biocompatible crosslinked protein-based material. Control of response range and/or rate in some embodiments also permits customization of sensor elements. In one variant, heterogeneous detector elements are used to, e.g., accommodate a wider range of blood glucose concentration within the host. Methods of manufacturing the membranes and detectors, including methods to increase reliability, are also disclosed.

A delivery device includes a guide tool and an impact tool. The guide tool includes an elongate body formed with a longitudinal guide channel, whose inner perimeter is made to complement an outer contour of an implant. The elongate body is formed with a longitudinal impact-tool channel, whose inner perimeter is made to complement an outer contour of the impact tool.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system that includes an insertion tool and a drill guide. The insertion tool includes a body with a distal portion and a distal end. The body has a first engagement feature extending longitudinally along the distal portion and two arms extending longitudinally from the distal end of the body. The drill guide includes two bores and an open faced channel therebetween. The open faced channel includes a second engagement feature slidably engageable with the first engagement feature on the body of the insertion tool. The two bores are adapted for the disposal of a fastener driver tool therethrough.

A prosthetic system for implantation between upper and lower vertebrae having an upper joint component and a lower joint component. The joint is adapted for implantation within a disc space between the upper and lower vertebrae, allowing the upper and lower vertebrae to move relative to one another. The system further includes a bridge component extending posteriorly from the lower joint component and from the disc space, with the bridge component having a lower contact surface configured for engaging a resected bone surface of a pedicle of the lower vertebrae. The distal end of the bridge component comprises a connection component adapted to receive a fastener.

Artificial intervertebral discs include an annulus fibrosus portion and a nucleus pulposus portion. Annulus fibrosus portions disclosed and contemplated herein include a plurality of layers. Fibers within the layers are arranged to provide a crisscross pattern between adjacent layers. Nucleus pulposus portions disclosed and contemplated herein can include a flexible, sealed enclosure.