A method for implanting a medical device for implantation in a mammal joint. The method comprising the steps of creating an opening reaching from outside of the human body into the joint, providing said artificial contacting surface to said joint, fixating the artificial contacting surface to the joint, implanting said reservoir in the human body, and lubricating the artificial contacting surface with use of a lubricating fluid contained in said reservoir.

Prostheses are described for stabilizing dysfunctional bone structures. The prostheses have proximal and distal ends, and an expandable mid-region disposed therebetween. The expandable mid-region includes a plurality of deflectable elongate members that are configured and adapted to transition from a compressed configuration to a deflected configuration when released from a deployment apparatus, whereby the plurality of deflectable elongate members deflects outwardly when the elongated member is inserted into a pilot opening of a dysfunctional bone structure, whereby the plurality of elongate members exerts a retaining force on the internal surface of the pilot opening and secures the elongated member in the pilot opening and, thereby, the dysfunctional bone structure.

A surgical instrument comprises a member being engageable to a spinal implant configured for connection to a bone fastener shaft. An actuator is connected to the member. A latch is connected to the actuator and the connection is configured to change between at least one non-locked orientation such that the actuator is movable relative to the member and a locked orientation such that the actuator is fixed relative to the member. Systems, spinal constructs, implants and methods are disclosed.

A method of providing access to an intervertebral disc has been developed that involves using the patient's bony pedicle as an anchoring spot for a pedicle screw that temporarily attaches to the access port. Because this new procedure eliminates the need for the surgical table as an anchor, it also eliminates the assembly components extending from the table to the port at the access site, thereby unencumbering the surgeon's view and workspace while providing minimally invasive access. One key element of the method is an assembly comprising: a) a screw extension comprising a shaft having a distal end portion comprising a receiver adapted for receiving a screw and a proximal end portion comprising a pivoting feature, b) a port comprising: j) a tubular wall defining a central passageway, ii) a longitudinal slot in the wall defining opposed ends of the wall, iii) opposed flanges extending radially from each end of the wall, and iv) a mating feature disposed in each opposed flanges adapted to pivotally mate with the pivoting feature of the screw extension, wherein the mating feature of the tube pivotally mates with the pivoting feature of the screw extension.

An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.

Surgical visualization systems and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for providing visualization during surgical procedures. Systems and methods herein can be used in a wide range of surgical procedures, including spinal surgeries such as minimally-invasive fusion or discectomy procedures. Systems and methods herein can include various features for enhancing end user experience, improving clinical outcomes, or reducing the invasiveness of a surgery. Exemplary features can include access port integration, hands-free operation, active and/or passive lens cleaning, adjustable camera depth, and many others.

Some embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus that (1) delivers a fusion member between two vertebral bodies after at least a portion of the fibrocartilaginous disc between the vertebral bodies has been removed, and (2) affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes (1) a fusion member that is delivered and positioned between the vertebral bodies, (2) a delivery mechanism that delivers and positions the fusion member between the vertebral bodies, and (3) an anchoring member that affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies.

A method for performing a surgical procedure on a patient using a robotic system and a navigation system. The robotic system includes a cutting tool. The navigation system has at least one locating device to track a portion of the patient during the surgical procedure. The navigation system provides information as to a position of the portion of the patient. An optical cutting guide is projected onto the portion of the patient to enable cutting of the portion of the patient with the cutting tool of the robotic system while the optical cutting guide is projected onto the portion of the patient.

The invention relates to a shaft for a femoral neck prosthesis, which comprises an anchoring area (27, 29) which is arranged inside the femur in order to anchor the prosthesis into bone, a head area which is axially adjacent to the anchoring area (27, 29) on the proximal side, said head area comprising a device (13) which is connected to the prosthesis head (15), in addition to a distal end which is arranged opposite the head area in the axial direction of the anchoring area (27, 29). The invention is characterised in that the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the head area is at the most equal and, in particular, smaller than the maximum diameter of the anchoring area (27, 29), in such a manner that the maximum cross-sectional dimension of the shaft (11) is in the anchoring area (27, 29).

Devices, systems and methods for the treatment of spinal instability and/or stenosis of the spinal canal and neural foramina. In one embodiment, a functional spinal unit (FSU) of a subject is approached through a lateral or antero-lateral corridor, and both an anterior and posterior column of the FSU are manipulated, implanted and/or otherwise surgically treated through the same intra-abdominal surgical corridor. A method is disclosed to reach the posterior aspect of the FSU, wherein the intra-abdominal surgical corridor is extended posterior to the psoas major muscle and through the thoraco-lumbar fascia in order to reach the transverse process and/or facet joint. Multiple trajectories for bone screw fixation of the vertebral bone are additionally disclosed. In another embodiment, the FSU is approached through the above corridor and a second posterior skin incision and corridor. The combination of the corridors provided circumferential access to the FSU.