Systems and methods to evaluate a joint implant device are provided. The joint implant device can include a prosthesis body having a first end and a second end. The first end can couple with a first joint component and the second end can couple with a second joint component. The prosthesis body can include a first support. The prosthesis body can include a first gear rotatably coupled with the first support. The prosthesis body can include a second support movably coupled with the first support. The second support can include a second gear that can engage with a portion of the first gear. The prosthesis body can include a third support. The third support can movably couple with the second support. The third support can move relative to the first support with activation of the first gear.

A fusion cage has a first component that defines an outside surface that is configured to engage a vertebral endplate, and an interior surface. The fusion cage has a second component that defines first and second opposed surfaces. One of the first and second opposed surfaces can mate with the interior surface of the first component. The fusion cage can include vertical and lateral throughholes adapted to enhance fusion.

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.

A medical implant system is described for inhibiting infection associated with a joint prosthesis implant. An inventive system includes an implant body made of a biocompatible material which has a metal component disposed on an external surface of the implant body. A current is allowed to flow to the metal component, stimulating release of metal ions toxic to microbes, such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses. One detailed system is completely surgically implantable in the patient such that no part of the system is external to the patient while the system is in use. In addition, externally controlled devices are provided which allow for modulation of implanted components.

A method for stabilizing a cervical spine segment includes inserting a respective uncinate joint stabilizer into each uncinate joint along a medial-to-lateral direction starting from intervertebral disc space of the cervical spine segment, and securing each uncinate joint stabilizer to the respective uncinate joint. A system for stabilizing a cervical spine segment includes a pair of uncinate joint stabilizers, each (a) elongated along a lengthwise dimension and configured for placement in the respective uncinate joint with the lengthwise dimension substantially oriented along an anterior-to-posterior direction of the cervical spine segment, (b) having height configured to define spacing of the respective uncinate joint, (c) and including a tapered portion for interfacing with superior and inferior surfaces of the respective uncinate joint and to enable insertion of the uncinate joint stabilizer into the respective uncinate joint from intervertebral disc space of the cervical spine segment.

A fusion cage has a first component that defines an outside surface that is configured to engage a vertebral endplate, and an interior surface. The fusion cage has a second component that defines first and second opposed surfaces. One of the first and second opposed surfaces can mate with the interior surface of the first component. The fusion cage can include vertical and lateral throughholes adapted to enhance fusion.

An intervertebral disc replacement device comprising a superior plate and an inferior plate, in which each plate contains one or more embedded magnets. The one or more magnets in the superior plate and the one or more magnet in the inferior plate are oriented such that a magnetic force exists between the one or more magnets in the superior plate and the one or more magnet in the inferior plate. In addition, an intervertebral disc replacement device comprising a superior plate and an inferior plate, in which each plate contains one or more embedded magnets, and the plates are designed to form an articulating surface. Further, an intervertebral disc replacement device comprising a superior plate, an inferior plate, and a spacer, in which each plate contains one or more embedded magnets, and the superior and inferior plates are designed to form articulating surfaces with the spacer.

An implant having a porous layer and a molding method thereof includes: a substrate having a bone contact surface being in part in direct contact with a bone of a patient; a porous layer having a void inside; a connecting layer disposed between the bone contact surface and the porous layer to attach the bone contact surface to the porous layer; and a rib detachably coupled to the porous layer, wherein the connecting layer includes at least one constituent component identical to one of constituent components in the bone contact surface to be integrated into the porous layer and the bone contact surface, thereby firmly attaching the porous layer to the bone contact surface. Accordingly, bonding of dissimilar metals is facilitated by inducing the attachment of the bone contact surface of the implant to the porous layer having a void inside, formed by dissimilar metals, through the connecting layer including at least one constituent component identical to one of constituent components of the bone contact surface.

The variable or adjustable depth medical implants in this application are capable of depth adjustment prior to implantation. The variable depth implants permit a single implant to provide multiple footprint configurations, allowing a surgeon footprint adjustability in the operating room. The implants can comprise a metallic lattice designed for specific physical properties, such as an elastic modulus. In some examples, the main body of the implant is taller than the adjustable portion of the implant (also referred to as the second implant body) so that the physical properties of the main body of the implant are controlling at the implant site. In some embodiments, the variable implant is constructed in an additive process as a single unit.

A bone graft delivery kit includes a hollow tube having a proximal end and a distal end. The hollow tube is configured to convey graft material to a graft receiving area in a patient. The hollow tube can be connected to an implant. The kit further includes a plunger to facilitate moving the graft material through the hollow tube.