An implant for therapeutically separating bones of a joint has two endplates each having an opening through the endplate, and at least one ramped surface on a side opposite a bone engaging side. A frame is slideably connected to the endplates to enable the endplates to move relative to each other at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the implant, in sliding connection with the frame. An actuator screw is rotatably connected to the frame. A carriage forms an open area aligned with the openings in the endplates. The openings in the endplates pass through the carriage to form an unimpeded passage from bone to bone of the joint. The carriage has ramps which mate with the ramped surfaces of the endplates, wherein when the carriage is moved by rotation of the actuator screw, the endplates move closer or farther apart.

Systems and methods for robotically distracting a disc space are provided for implantation of an intervertebral prosthetic disc. The system includes a 3D modeling system for creating a 3D model of first and second vertebra adjacent the disc space and identifying positions of the first and second vertebrae. A robotic distractor precisely opens the disc space just large enough to receive a selected intervertebral disc. A computing system stores and processes the 3D model and the positions of the first and second vertebrae before and after distraction. A surgeon interface on the computing system allows the surgeon to select an intervertebral disc prosthesis to be implanted and a desired distraction distance or force to be achieved.

Systems and methods are provided for robotically assisted disc prosthesis selection and implantation. The system includes a 3D modeling system for creating a 3D model of first and second vertebra adjacent the intended surgical site and identifying and storing data for the positions of the first and second vertebrae. A computing system for stores and processes the 3D model and the position data. A robot connected to the computing system attaches to a plurality of instruments including sizing templates, trials, cutters or placement instruments for intervertebral disc prostheses. An interface on the computing system allows the surgeon to sequentially deliver the plurality of instruments with the robot to a registration position to improve the speed and accuracy of the surgical procedure.

An expanding, conforming interbody implant includes a plurality of superior and a plurality of inferior segments. The segments are adapted to individually expand, contact, and conform to endplates of vertebral bodies to distribute forces equally over the implant and across the vertebral endplates. Once a proper extension of the segments has been achieved, the segments are locked in position. The implant has a stiffness that approximates the stiffness of bone, and the implant minimizes problems with subsidence, endplate fractures, and stress shielding.

A spinal implant has proximal and distal regions, and includes upper and lower bodies. A proximal adjustment assembly is disposed between the upper and lower bodies in the proximal region of the spinal implant and is adjustably coupled to the upper and lower bodies, and a distal adjustment assembly is disposed between the upper and lower bodies in the distal region of the spinal implant and is adjustably coupled to the upper and lower bodies. The proximal and distal adjustment assemblies are independently movable with respect to each other, both concurrently and alternately, to change a vertical height of at least one of the proximal or distal regions of the spinal implant. A set screw is removably disposed within the proximal region of the spinal implant to lock the vertical height of the proximal and distal regions of the spinal implant.

A cervical spine spacer includes a spacer body configured to be disposed between adjacent cervical vertebrae in the cervical spine and to maintain a desired spacing between the adjacent cervical vertebrae. The cervical spine spacer also includes a channel passing completely through the spacer body from a first surface of the spacer body to a second surface of the spacer body and a fastener configured to pass through the channel. At least one of the first surface and the second surface is configured to contact one of the adjacent cervical vertebrae and the channel is sized to accommodate the fastener passing through the channel at a plurality of angles.

The present invention relates to a tissue-engineered intervertebral disc (IVD) suitable for total disc replacement in a mammal and methods of fabrication. The IVD comprises a nucleus pulposus structure comprising a first population of living cells that secrete a hydrophilic protein and an annulus fibrosis structure surrounding and in contact with the nucleus pulposus structure, the annulus fibrosis structure comprising a second population of living cells and type I collagen. The collagen fibrils in the annulus fibrosis structure are circumferentially aligned around the nucleus pulposus region due to cell-mediated contraction in the annulus fibrosis structure. Also disclosed are methods of fabricating tissue-engineered intervertebral discs.

Disclosed are systems, devices, methods and surgical procedures for altering and/or correcting the alignment of adjacent bones, including bones of the spine.

Intervertebral endoprosthesis discs suitable for surgical implantation between two vertebrae having and methods thereof. The prosthetic disc may have an endoprosthesis body including an anterior region and a posterior region designed to be positioned between a first vertebra and a second vertebra with a first and second movable insert positioned rotatably in anterior cavities and is rotatable to adjust the fasteners.

An implant composed of a plurality of parts placed within a vertebral body such that the vertebral body can be displaced, altering the angle between the superior endplate and the inferior endplate resulting in correction of the vertebral alignment in the coronal plane.