In general, orthopedic instrument adapters and methods of using orthopedic instrument adapters are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, an adapter is configured to releasably attach to an end effector configured to impact bone. The end effector can be a broach, chisel, or other surgical implement. The adapter includes a spring-loaded hook that is configured to releasably seat in a cut-out formed in the end effector. The adapter is also configured to releasably attach to a surgical impacting tool, such as an orthopedic impactor, configured to drive impacting of the end effector relative to bone.

Various surgical tools having a movable handle mechanism including a positioning handle are disclosed. The movable handle mechanism may be configured to move forward and backward in a longitudinal direction along the housing and rotate clockwise and counterclockwise around the housing. In various embodiments, the housing may include a plurality of channels and each channel may have at least one detent. The movable handle mechanism may be configured to securely couple to the housing via one channel of the plurality of channels and one detent of the plurality of detents. At least one surgical tool may include a drill having an angled tip portion and a sleeve configured to protect adjacent structures from lateral edges of the drill bit when the drill bit is rotating. Another surgical tool may include a screwdriver having an elastic retaining clip configured to progressively release a bone screw therein at an extraction force.

A parallel spacer for parallel spacing of a plurality of guiding elements during surgery is provided. The parallel spacer includes a parallel spacer body defining a first guide aperture extending through the parallel spacer body, the first guide aperture being sized to receive a first guiding element in a first orientation with respect to the parallel spacer body and hold the guiding element at the first orientation. The body further defines a second guide aperture extending through the parallel spacer body, sized to receive an access needle. The parallel spacer further includes a first external positioning protrusion, with the first guide aperture extending through the first external positioning protrusion, and a second external positioning protrusion, with the second guide aperture extending therethrough. The second guide aperture is open from a proximal end of the parallel spacer body to a distal end of the second external positioning protrusion.

A method of inserting an intervertebral disc implant into a disc space includes accessing a spinal segment having a first vertebral body, a second vertebral body and a disc space between the first and second vertebral bodies. The method includes securing a first pin to the first vertebral body and a second pin to the second vertebral body, using the first and second pins for distracting the disc space, and providing an inserter holding the intervertebral disc implant. The method also desirably includes engaging the inserter with the first and second pins, and advancing the inserter toward the disc space for inserting the intervertebral disc implant into the disc space, whereby the first and second pins align and guide the inserter toward the disc space.

An expandable implant is disclosed in which the implant includes top and bottom plates having angled inner surfaces that interact with expansion members. The expansion members may be situated on an actuator, and may include at least one vertical projection. In some instances, rotation of the actuator in opposing directions about a longitudinal axis may cause the expansion members to move toward or away from one another, thereby resulting in separation of the top and bottom plates. During such expansion of the implant, the at least one vertical projection of the expansion members may be guided at least partially within a recess formed in the first or second plate. Pins may also be included with the expansion members that ride along respective slots in the plates during expansion. An insertion instrument for implanting the aforementioned implant, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.

An orthopaedic surgical instrument may include an elongated body with a proximal end and distal end. A clamp lever may be pivotally coupled to the proximal end of the elongated body. The clamp lever may be moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A biasing element may be configured to bias the clamp lever to the locked position.

Intervertebral implants, assemblies, and methods thereof. An intervertebral implant includes opposing chamfered edges to reduce a diagonal distance between the edges. The reduced diagonal distance minimizes distraction of an intervertebral disc space during insertion of the implant. A tool for insertion and rotation of the implant is also provided.

A method of designing an orthopedic implant comprising: (a) iteratively evaluating possible shapes of a dynamic orthopedic implant using actual anatomical shape considerations and kinematic shape considerations; and, (b) selecting a dynamic orthopedic implant shape from one of the possible shapes, where the dynamic orthopedic implant shape selected satisfies predetermined kinematic and anatomical constraints.

A kit for use in performing joint arthroplasty on a head of a long bone is disclosed. The kit includes: a first implant including a first implant articulating surface and an opposed first implant mounting surface having a first implant location feature; and an instrument for preparing a cavity in the head of the long bone. The instrument includes a body and a punch extending from the body. The punch includes a portion thereof having a shape similar to the first implant location surface of the implant. A method for providing joint arthroplasty is also disclosed.

Implant assemblies, systems, and methods for stabilizing a joint between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra may include a plate member coupled to an interbody spacer with at least one fastener that extends superiorly or inferiorly from the implant assembly to anchor within a vertebral body and stabilize the joint. Inserters and methods of insertion may also be included to facilitate fixation of various implant assemblies within the intervertebral space of the joint between the superior vertebra and the inferior vertebra.