The present application is generally directed to implantable systems, devices and related methods pertaining to spinal surgery. In particular, the present application discloses a frame and spacer system for inserting into a disc space. The frame and spacer system is of low profile. The frame can receive different fixation devices, including threaded and non-threaded fixation devices.

Systems, apparatuses and methods for preserving motion in an intervertebral disc. Modular disc implant segments can be constructed from a relatively rigid material with compressive spring lobes to act similar to an elastomer. The lobes may be configured to have a C-shaped outer wall and one or more spring arms, such as a leaf springs, to facilitate the modular disc implant segment's ability to compress, thereby enabling an entire intervertebral disc constructed from multiple modular disc implant segments to compress with the implant recipient's movement. The implant segments are sized to be inserted serially into a space defined by the annular fibrosus after removal of the nucleus pulposus with connections being made between adjacent segments in the space during the insertion process.

A method of placing an implant for intervertebral fusion between adjacent vertebral bodies in a patient includes inserting the implant in a space between the adjacent vertebral bodies such that both a first intervertebral spacer body and a second intervertebral spacer body contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies. The first intervertebral spacer body is spaced apart from the second intervertebral spacer body. An expandable container portion of the implant disposed between the first intervertebral spacer body and the second intervertebral spacer body is filled with fill material such that the expandable container expands to contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Methods, compositions, and systems are provided for characterization of modified nucleic acids. In certain preferred embodiments, single molecule sequencing methods are provided for identification of modified nucleotides within nucleic acid sequences. Modifications detectable by the methods provided herein include chemically modified bases, enzymatically modified bases, abasic sites, non-natural bases, secondary structures, and agents bound to a template nucleic acid.

Embodiments provide a method for determining an alternating magnetic field (AMF) transmitter design that produces a magnetic field that achieves a more uniform surface current or heating of an implant. Embodiments may utilize the method to be applicable to different geometries of implants and AMF transmitters. Embodiments produce a non-uniform magnetic field that in turn produces a more uniform current density/distribution on the implant surface. This leads to uniform heating and consistent biofilm reduction, while minimizing damage to adjacent tissues. Also, the differences in electrical properties such as conductivity, permittivity, and permeability of the implant components can be factored into the design process to achieve a uniform current density/distribution across components. An ultimate benefit derived from embodiments described herein is consistent biofilm reduction, inactivation, eradication, destruction, and/or removal and improved safety arising from heat conduction into surrounding tissues.

A novel implant for replacing a portion of an articulation surface of a joint is disclosed. The implant includes a bone-engaging surface, a hydrogel portion forming an articulation surface opposite from the first bone-engaging surface, and a bone plate portion configured for securing the implant to a bone that forms the joint.

A joint implant to be mounted to a hard tissue of a patient comprises a body portion. The body portion having a tissue face configured to contact a prepared surface of the hard tissue of the patient, when the joint implant is mounted to the hard tissue of the patient. The tissue face of the body portion comprises an anchoring structure configured to anchor the joint implant on the hard tissue of the patient. The body portion is formed to fit the prepared surface of the hard tissue such that the joint implant is held in a predefined target position when mounted to the hard tissue

The invention relates to medical implants, including spinal implants and bone grafts, for fixation and integration with hard tissue. The bone medical implants include at least one rotational fixation mechanism that further includes or is attached to one or more sharp protrusions configured to penetrate and become lodged into hard tissue to provide support and positional stability. Such support is useful to ensure that the spinal bone graft may be used without additional stabilizing or anchoring structures, such as supporting plates or screws.