Patent classifications
A61F2002/30795
SACROILIAC JOINT FIXATION
Bone anchor implants, assemblies, systems, instruments, and methods thereof. The bone anchors may be threaded or non-threaded, adjustable or expandable, stackable, or otherwise configured to promote fixation of the sacroiliac joint. The bone anchors may be used independently or may be configured to integrate with long rod constructs, for example, with a tulip or other suitable attachment interface, to fuse the sacroiliac joint.
SACROILIAC JOINT FIXATION
Bone anchor implants, assemblies, systems, instruments, and methods thereof. The bone anchors may be threaded or non-threaded, adjustable or expandable, stackable, or otherwise configured to promote fixation of the sacroiliac joint. The bone anchors may be used independently or may be configured to integrate with long rod constructs, for example, with a tulip or other suitable attachment interface, to fuse the sacroiliac joint.
COMPOSITE INTERBODY SYSTEM
Embodiments of a composite interbody system 10 for treating mammalian bony segments including various materials to encourage bony fusion while enabling radiographic visualization where the composite interbody system 10 may be employed between two, adjacent mammalian bony segments to stabilize, maintain spacing between, or couple the bony segments. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
Artificial discs
A four-component artificial intervertebral disc may provide six degrees of movement: flexion, extension, lateral bending, axial rotation, axial deflection, and anterior/posterior translation. The disc may include a superior endplate, a superior core, an inferior core, and an inferior endplate. The superior endplate may include a concave mating surface, and the inferior endplate may include a spherical mating surface. The superior endplate may roll across the superior core to provide flexion, extension, and lateral bending. The superior endplate may twist or rotate atop the superior core to provide axial rotation, and the superior endplate may slide over the superior core to provide anterior/posterior translation. The superior core may be connected to the inferior core, and the inferior core may be connected to the inferior endplate. The inferior core may be made from a flexible material that may enable the artificial disc to expand or compress vertically.
Bone structure coupling systems and methods of use
Bone structure coupling devices and methods are provided herein. An example method includes positioning a tubular retraction guide body into a patient, the tubular retraction guide body having two prongs that are positioned in a joint between two adjacent bone structures, creating a hemispherical groove on each of the two adjacent bone structures using a drill bit passed through the tubular retraction guide body, incising out the hemispherical grooves with a broach passed through the tubular retraction guide body, and inserting a graft body having a generally rectangular cross sectional area into the angular grooves to couple the two adjacent bone structures together.
Methods and systems for enhancing radiographic images of radiolucent implants
A radiolucent intervertebral prosthesis is implanted in an environment that has been prepared in a manner which enhances radiopacity of the prosthesis and/or the environment. A liquid, powder, or other fluid radiopaque (RO) material, such as iohexol, is introduced into an implantation site, either by directly introducing the material into the site and/or by applying the material to a surface of the implant. The presence of the RO material in the implantation site provides contrast with the material of radiolucent prosthesis while the implantation site is being radiographically imaged, e.g. during fluoroscopic visualization while the prosthesis is being implanted. During implantation, the RO material helps the physician view and manipulate the implant, and after the implantation is complete, the RO material will be resorbed or otherwise lost from the implantation site so that the area returns to a radiolucent condition to facilitate subsequent radiographic imaging when needed.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREPARING BONE
A robotic system for preparing a bone to repair a bone fracture, includes a controllable guide structure configured to guide preparation of at least one bone piece during execution of a surgical plan and a control system configured to define the surgical plan. Defining the surgical plan includes determining a desired relationship between at least a first bone piece and a second bone piece that are separated by the bone fracture and planning preparation of the first bone piece to include a prepared anatomical structure configured to align the first bone piece with the second bone piece such that when aligned, the first bone piece and the second bone piece will achieve the desired relationship. The control system is further configured to control the controllable guide structure according to the surgical plan.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENHANCING RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGES OF RADIOLUCENT IMPLANTS
A radiolucent intervertebral prosthesis is implanted in an environment that has been prepared in a manner which enhances radiopacity of the prosthesis and/or the environment. A liquid, powder, or other fluid radiopaque (RO) material, such as iohexol, is introduced into an implantation site, either by directly introducing the material into the site and/or by applying the material to a surface of the implant. The presence of the RO material in the implantation site provides contrast with the material of radiolucent prosthesis while the implantation site is being radiographically imaged, e.g. during fluoroscopic visualization while the prosthesis is being implanted. During implantation, the RO material helps the physician view and manipulate the implant, and after the implantation is complete, the RO material will be resorbed or otherwise lost from the implantation site so that the area returns to a radiolucent condition to facilitate subsequent radiographic imaging when needed.
INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT AND DEVICE FOR INSERTING AN INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT
An intervertebral implant has a hollow space formed within the implant and accessible through an elongate opening extending through a recessed portion of the side wall, and the hollow space is shaped to receive an engagement portion of a drive shaft of an insertion tool; and the intervertebral implant includes at least two guiding surfaces facing each other and being configured for sliding engagement by a portion of a sleeve of the insertion tool movably holding the drive shaft.
COUNTER-TORQUE IMPLANT
Implants with integral or modular anti-rotation features and related instruments are disclosed. The anti-rotation features do not preclude the implants from applying compression.