An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

A method of determining disc space geometry with the use of an expandable trial having endplate-mapping capabilities. An expandable trial is inserted into the disc space and its height is adjusted to obtain the desired decompression and spinal alignment (which is typically confirmed with the use of CT or Fluoroscopic imaging). The endplate dome/geometry dome is then determined by one of the following three methods: a) direct imaging through the trial, b) balloon moldings filled with flowable in-situ fluid (for example, silicon, polyurethane, or PMMA) from superior/inferior endplates or c) light-based imaging through superior & inferior balloons.

A method of distracting adjacent vertebral bodies includes inserting a first pin into a first vertebral body, inserting a second pin into a second vertebral body adjacent the first vertebral body, positioning a first retractor blade over the first pin, positioning a second retractor blade over the second pin, attaching a first arm of a frame to the first retractor blade and a second arm of the frame to the second retractor blade, displacing the second arm of the frame away from the first arm to distract the first and second vertebral bodies, inserting prongs of a lateral protector into respective channels defined in the first and second retractor blades, and retracting tissue by a transverse blade of the lateral protector.

The present invention relates generally to medical devices, systems, and methods for use in surgery. In particular, the disclosed system and methods relate to an intervertebral spinal implant sized and dimensioned for the lumbar spine implantable via a posterior approach. The system includes an implant, instruments for delivering the implant.

A separate nub component between the plate and an intervertebral fusion cage, wherein the nub is attached to the plate. The nub lessens the undesired pivotal movement of the plate. It is believed that when the nub fits snugly between the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, it acts as a stop against the undesired pivotal movement of the plate.

A kit for preparing an intervertebral disc space for receiving an implant (100) includes a plurality of trials (152) having different sizes. Each trial (152) includes a body (154) insertible into an intervertebral disc space, the body (154) having a leading end (162), a trailing end (164), a top surface (156) and a bottom surface (160), the top surface of the body having a first groove (176) formed therein. Each implant also includes a flange (166) secured to the trailing end (164) of the body (154), the flange (166) having a first channel (180) aligned with the first groove (176), wherein each of the different sized trials has a different flange thickness. The flange thickness controls advancement of a cutting tool such as a chisel (192) into the first groove at the top surface of the trial body, which controls the depth of the cut into vertebral bone.

In various embodiments, an intervertebral disc prosthesis is provided. The prosthesis may be provided with an insertion adapter, such as a head, holder, or other carrier of the prosthesis. The insertion adapter may be configured to retain the prosthesis and to engage an insertion tool body. In various embodiments, the prosthesis and the insertion holder are provided in a sterile pack, with the prosthesis components and the insertion holder sterilized and packaged in one or more types or layers of sterile packaging. In various other embodiments, the prosthesis and an insertion tool are provided in a sterile pack, with the prosthesis components and the insertion tool sterilized and packaged in one or more types or layers of sterile packaging.

A multi-component implant insertion system for insertion of an intervertebral implant cage and methods of use thereof are described herein. Preferably, the proximal end of a hollow jaw is inserted into the distal end of an inserter. Once inside the inserter, a thread on the jaw engages a corresponding thread inside the inserter, allowing axial advancement of the jaw along the inserter. A ram is inserted through the proximal end of the jaw until the distal end of the ram protrudes at the distal end of the inserter assembly. Optionally, an adjustable stop introduced onto the superior portion of the inserter allows for control over the depth of insertion of the implant. An implant of appropriate size is introduced to the jaw of the inserter assembly and the implant/inserter assembly can be impacted into the vertebral body until the adjustable stop contacts the anterior edge of the vertebral body.

The present application relates to an expandable spinal implant (1) comprising two elongated implant members (20, 30). The implant members (20, 30) are rotatably coupled to a central base portion (10) and comprise a first end with an axis of rotation and circumferentially arranged gear teeth (23, 33). The gear teeth (23) of the first elongated implant member (20) is interlocked into said gear teeth (33) of the second elongated implant member (30).

An intervertebral implant that iterates between collapsed and expanded configurations includes first and second plates spaced from one another along a first direction and defining bone-contacting surfaces facing away from each other along the first direction. An expansion assembly is positioned between the plates with respect to the first direction and includes a first support wedge that supports the first plate and defines a first ramp and a second support wedge that supports the second plate and defines second and third ramps. The expansion assembly includes an expansion wedge defining a fourth ramp. The first, second, third, and fourth ramps are each inclined with respect to a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. At least one of the first and second support wedges is slidable along the respective supported first or second plate. The implant includes an actuator configured to apply a drive force to the expansion wedge so as to cause 1) the fourth ramp to ride along the third ramp so as to increase a distance between the bone-contacting surfaces along the first direction, and 2) the second ramp to ride along the first ramp, thereby further increasing the distance, thereby iterating the implant from the collapsed to the expanded configuration.