Embodiments of forming custom interbody implants that may be used to stabilize region(s) formed between mammalian bony segments, including systems and methods to produce a custom interbody element that may be used to fixably stabilize or couple region(s) formed between two or more mammalian bony segments. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

An inflatable central distractor is inserted in to a disc space between two vertebral endplates. A perimeter balloon is inserted into the disc space in such a manner as to surround the central inflatable distractor. The perimeter balloon and the central inflatable distractor are simultaneously expanded such that as the central inflatable distractor expands the perimeter balloon surrounds the central inflatable distractor and such that the central inflatable distractor and the perimeter balloon, when expanded, contribute to forcing adjacent vertebral endplates apart.

Techniques and systems for distracting a spinal disc space and supporting adjacent vertebrae are provided. Trial instruments are insertable into the disc space to determine a desired disc space height and to select a corresponding implant. Implants can be also be self-distracting and the implant providing the desired disc space height can be implanted in the spinal disc space.

A total artificial expansile disc and a method for posterior insertion between a pair of vertebral endplates are disclosed. The total artificial expansile disc includes at least one pair of substantially parallel plates that move apart along a first axis, in order to occupy a space defined by the vertebral endplates. In another embodiment, each of substantially parallel plates includes a first plate and a second sliding plate. An expansion device or tool is used to move the substantially parallel pair of plates apart along the first axis. A core is disposed between the pair of plates, and the core permits the vertebral endplates to move relative to one another. A ball limiter or ball extender prevents the core from being extruded from between the substantially parallel plates.

A prosthetic intervertebral disc is formed of first and second end plates sized and shaped to fit within an intervertebral space and to be implanted from the back of the patient, thereby decreasing the invasiveness of the procedure. The posterior approach provides for a smaller posterior surgical incision and avoids important blood vessels located anterior to the spine particularly for lumbar disc replacements. The first and second plates are each formed of first, second and third parts are arranged in a first configuration in which the parts are axially aligned to form a low profile device appropriate for insertion through the small opening available in the TLIF or PLIF approaches described above. The three parts of both of the plates rotate and translate with respect to one another in situ to a second configuration or a deployed configuration in which the parts are axially unaligned with each other to provide a maximum coverage of the vertebral end plates for a minimum of insertion profile. Upon deployment of the disc, a height of the disc is increased.

Implants and methods for augmentation, preferably by minimally invasive procedures and means, of body tissue, including in some embodiments repositioning of body tissue, for example, bone and, preferably vertebrae are described. The implant may comprise one or more chain linked bodies inserted into the interior of body tissue. As linked bodies are inserted into body tissue, they may fill a central portion thereof and for example in bone can push against the inner sides of the cortical exterior surface layer, for example the end plates of a vertebral body, thereby providing structural support and tending to restore the body tissue to its original or desired treatment height. A bone cement or other filler can be added to further augment and stabilize the body tissue. The preferred implant comprises a single flexible monolithic chain formed of allograft cortical bone having a plurality of substantially non-flexible bodies connected by substantially flexible links.

Instrumentation for implanting a cervical disc replacement device includes cervical disc replacement trials for determining the appropriate size of replacement device to be implanted, an insertion plate for maintaining the elements of the replacement device in fixed relation to one another for simultaneous manipulation, an insertion handle for attachment to the insertion plate for manipulation of the elements, an insertion pusher for releasing the insertion handle from the insertion plate, a drill guide that cooperates with the insertion plate to guide the drilling of tap holes for bone screws to be placed through bone screw holes in the flanges of the replacement device, clips that are applied to the flanges after placement of the bone screws to resist screw backout, and a clip applicator for applying the clips to the flanges.

An adjustable implant includes a telescopic body with first and second portions in sliding engagement, and a deflectable linkage formed from a first linking segment, an intermediate segment and a second linking segment pivotally interconnected so that adjustment of a length of the telescopic body causes a corresponding deflection of the deflectable linkage. The first linking segment and the second linking segment are formed with projecting features that provide a partial gear engagement between the first and second linking segments such that, during adjustment of a length of the telescopic body and corresponding deflection of the deflectable linkage, pivotal motion of the first and second linking segments relative to the intermediate segment about the first and second pivot axes occurs in a fixed ratio defined by the partial gear engagement.

The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, gear member and a locking assembly positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.

A method for inserting an intervertebral artificial disc is provided with the intervertebral disc including a first endplate having a plurality of protrusions for attaching to an adjacent vertebrae and an extension portion extending towards a second adjacent vertebrae. A second endplate is provided with a plurality of protrusions for attaching to a second adjacent vertebrae and an extension portion extending towards the first adjacent vertebrae. A flexible member having an upper portion and a lower portion and a slider plate positioned within the upper portion of the flexible member is also provided. The extension portion of the first endplate is adapted to fit within a first cavity in the upper portion of the flexible member and the extension portion of the second endplate is adapted to fit within a second cavity in the lower portion of the flexible member.