A method of implanting an intervertebral spacer may include positioning the intervertebral spacer within an intervertebral space defined by adjacent vertebral bodies. The intervertebral spacer may include a plurality of bores, and each of the plurality of bores may be configured to receive either a linear fastening element or a curvilinear fastening element. The method also may include selecting a first fastening element from a group including linear fastening elements and curvilinear fastening elements, and inserting the first fastening element into a first bore of the plurality of bores such that the first fastening element is inserted into one of the adjacent vertebral bodies to secure the intervertebral spacer within the intervertebral space.

The invention provides an implant system for treating bone defects or discontinuities and a method for producing such an implant system. The implant system (100) comprises: a first implant element (110) which is insertable or inserted into a bone defect or a discontinuity (2) of a human bone (1), a second implant element (120) which is fixable or fixed to the human bone (1), wherein the first implant element (110) is attachable or attached to the second implant element (120) by means of at least one biodegradable connection means (125) in order to fix the first implant element (110) relative to the human bone (1), wherein the first implant element (110) comprises a shell section (111) and an inner section (112) at least partially enclosed by the shell section (111), wherein the shell section (111) has a first pore-and-strut structure, PSS, and the inner section (112) has a PSS differing from the first PSS.

A tibial implant includes one or more stiffness-modifying features to reduce the stiffness of one or more sections of the tibial implant. The stiffness-modifying features may include slots, recesses, or passageways defined in various locations of the tibial implant to selectively reduce the stiffness of a tibial insert and/or tibial base of the tibial implant.

The present invention features a sensor implant that can adhere to bone. The sensing device is capable of sensing bone strains and reporting them as well as loads passing through bone for extended periods of time. The sensor implant can also be used to monitor bone growth for bone segmental repair of long bones or to monitor changes in bone characteristics of patients with osteoporosis. The present technology has the potential to give physicians the ability to predict when a patient with osteoporosis has an impending fracture and thus be able to intervene and prevent further damage.

Computer implemented methods of producing a bone graft are provided. These methods include obtaining a 3-D image of an intended bone graft site; generating a 3-D digital model of the bone graft based on the 3-D image of the intended bone graft site, the 3-D digital model of the bone graft being configured to fit within a 3-D digital model of the intended bone graft site; storing the 3-D digital model on a database coupled to a processor, the processor having instructions for retrieving the stored 3-D digital model of the bone graft and for combining a carrier material with, in or on a bone material based on the stored 3-D digital model and for instructing a 3-D printer to produce the bone graft. A layered 3-D printed bone graft prepared by the computer implemented method is also provided.

Tibial inserts and tibial extensions coupled to a sensor, and systems including such devices, can generate data and analysis based on that data, which may be used to identify and/or address problems associated with the implanted medical device, including incorrect placement of the device, unanticipated degradation of the device, and undesired movement of the device. Also provided are tibial inserts and tibial extensions coupled to a sensor, and devices and methods to address problems that have been identified with an implanted medical device.

The invention is a modular interbody fusion device for fusing adjacent spinal vertebrae that is adapted to be implanted in a prepared interbody space including a first modular segment having a width including a first rail extending at least partially along one side of the width and beyond a periphery of a body portion of the first modular segment, a second modular segment having a width and slidably connected to the first rail on one side of the width and having a second rail extending at least partially along another side of the width and beyond a periphery of a body portion of the second modular segment, a third modular segment having a width and slidably connected to the second rail on one side of the width and wherein the device has an expanded position in which the second and third modular segments are extended along the first and second rails and positioned in a generally end to end configuration spaced apart by the rails prior to implantation and an implanted position in which the modular segments are positioned in a generally side by side configuration that defines a unitary body that mimics the planar shape of the vertebra such that the device contacts and supports the adjacent vertebra.

Implants including non-resorbable frameworks and resorbable components, as well as methods of use thereof are disclosed. The embodiments include different combinations of a non-resorbable framework (in some case structural and in other cases non-structural), and a resorbable component embedded within and/or around the framework (again, in some cases structural and in other cases non-structural). The disclosed implants provide an efficient means of providing structural support for the vertebral bodies post-implantation, as well as encouraging resorption of the implant and fusion of the associated vertebral bodies without negative side effects and/or failure, such as subsidence of the implant or cracking/fracturing of a portion of the implant when implanted.

The methods disclosed herein of generating three-dimensional lattice structures and reducing stress shielding have applications including use in medical implants. One method of generating a three-dimensional lattice structure can be used to generate a structure lattice and/or a lattice scaffold to support bone or tissue growth. One method of reducing stress shielding includes generating a structural lattice to provide sole mechanical spacing across an area for desired bone or tissue growth. Some examples can use a repeating modified rhombic dodecahedron or radial dodeca-rhombus unit cell. Some methods are also capable of providing a lattice structure with anisotropic properties to better suit the lattice for its intended purpose.

Sacro-iliac joint stabilizing implants adapted for implanting across a SI joint from a dorsal approach. Methods of, and delivery tools adapted for implanting sacro-iliac joint stabilizing implants across a SI joint from a dorsal approach.