An implant is provided for use in an ankle joint between reconditioned end surfaces established on a distal end of an upper tibia bone and an opposing lower talus bone. The implant comprises a substantially porous rigid component adapted to be anchored against the upper tibia reconditioned end surface and the lower talus reconditioned end surface. The component defining an opening therethrough. An intramedullary nail is configured to pass through the opening in the component when the nail is driven through the talus and into the tibia.

An implant is provided for use in an ankle joint between reconditioned end surfaces established on a distal end of an upper tibia bone and an opposing lower talus bone. The implant comprises a substantially porous rigid component adapted to be anchored against the upper tibia reconditioned end surface and the lower talus reconditioned end surface. The component defining an opening therethrough. An intramedullary nail is configured to pass through the opening in the component when the nail is driven through the talus and into the tibia.

Apparatuses for distal fibula replacement and related methods are described herein. The apparatus generally includes an implantable stem component including a proximal portion that is contoured to have an anterior overlap with a portion of a fibula bone of a patient, and a distal portion that defines a first channel configured to receive a peronaeus brevis tendon and a further defines second channel configured to receive a peronaeus longus tendon. Related methods include placing such an apparatus on the portion of the fibula bone of the patient.

An orthopedic implant can be used for fixation of a joint or fracture and can include a tapered member and at least one fixation member. The tapered member can be configured for placement in association with one or more bone segments. The tapered member can have a longitudinally extending body that defines an upper surface portion, an opposed lower surface portion and first and second sides, where at least the first and second sides can be formed of porous metal and can have a porous metal outer surface. The at least one fixation member can be integrally formed with the tapered member and can extend laterally outwardly from the tapered member body. The at least one fixation member can be configured to secure the implant to the one or more bone segments to provide fixation of the one or more bone segments relative to the tapered member.

The invention provides a method of making a biological disc graft. In one embodiment, the biological disc graft is useful for treating back or neck pain. In one embodiment, the biological disc graft is useful for treating any joint pain. The invention also provides a method of implanting said biological disc graft in a way that is minimally invasive and less dangerous.

An orthopedic implant can be used for fixation of a joint or fracture and can include a tapered member and at least one fixation member. The tapered member can be configured for placement in association with one or more bone segments. The tapered member can have a longitudinally extending body that defines an upper surface portion, an opposed lower surface portion and first and second sides, where at least the first and second sides can be formed of porous metal and can have a porous metal outer surface. The at least one fixation member can be integrally formed with the tapered member and can extend laterally outwardly from the tapered member body. The at least one fixation member can be configured to secure the implant to the one or more bone segments to provide fixation of the one or more bone segments relative to the tapered member.

Apparatuses for distal fibula replacement and related methods are described herein. The apparatus generally includes an implantable stem component including a proximal portion that is contoured to have an anterior overlap with a portion of a fibula bone of a patient, and a distal portion that defines a first channel configured to receive a peronaeus brevis tendon and a further defines second channel configured to receive a peronaeus longus tendon. Related methods include placing such an apparatus on the portion of the fibula bone of the patient.

The disclosure is directed to a resilient implant for implantation into human or animal joints to act as a cushion allowing for renewed joint motion. The implant endures variable joint forces and cyclic loads while reducing pain and improving function after injury or disease to repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint integrity. The implant is deployed in a prepared debrided joint space, secured to at least one of the joint bones and expanded in the space, molding to surrounding structures with sufficient stability to avoid extrusion or dislocation. The implant has opposing walls that move in varied directions, and an inner space filled with suitable filler to accommodate motions which mimic or approximate normal joint motion. The implant pads the damaged joint surfaces, restores cushioning immediately and may be employed to restore cartilage to normal by delivering regenerative cells.

An implant is provided for use in an ankle joint between reconditioned end surfaces established on a distal end of an upper tibia bone and an opposing lower talus bone. The implant comprises a substantially porous rigid component adapted to be anchored against the upper tibia reconditioned end surface and the lower talus reconditioned end surface. The component defining an opening therethrough. An intramedullary nail is configured to pass through the opening in the component when the nail is driven through the talus and into the tibia.