A device for safely approaching vertebral disc space utilizing stereotactic guidance, clearing material from the disc space, a device for expanding the disc space, stereotactic methods for implant planning and monitoring articulating instrument end effectors and a device for implantation into the disc space for the purpose of fusion or disc replacement.

Apparatus for attaching a first object to a second object, said apparatus comprising: a distal anchor comprising a generally cylindrical body, a distal end and a proximal end, wherein said distal end comprises an inclined distal end surface, and a vertical bore extending through said generally cylindrical body, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said generally cylindrical body; a distal suture having a proximal end and a distal end, with an enlargement formed at said distal end and an eyelet formed at said proximal end, wherein said suture extends through said vertical bore of said distal anchor; a proximal anchor comprising a generally cylindrical body, a distal end and a proximal end, a vertical bore extending through said generally cylindrical body, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said generally cylindrical body, a recess formed on one side of said generally cylindrical body and a U-shaped slot formed on the opposing side of said generally cylindrical body, whereby to form a flexible finger extending distally within said generally cylindrical body, and further wherein said distal end of said finger is spaced from an opposing portion of said generally cylindrical body; and a proximal suture having a proximal end and a distal end, with an enlargement formed at said distal end, wherein said proximal suture extends through said vertical bore of said proximal anchor, through said eyelet of said distal suture, back through said vertical bore of said proximal anchor, through said recess of said proximal bore and through said U-shaped slot of said proximal anchor, with a loop of proximal suture extending through said eyelet of said distal suture.

Methods and devices for stabilizing spinal anatomical structures. Some example methods may include introducing a curved segment of an elongate fastener placement rod adjacent to a bone, providing a fastener at the leading end of the curved segment, and/or securing the fastener in place with respect to the bone.

An expansion member for distributing graft material through a cage and into an intervertebral space is provided. The expansion member has a central beam with an entry port in fluid communication with an exit port for distribution of the graft material. The central beam is inserted into a cage having a reversible collapse from an expanded state into a collapsed state, the expanded state forming a graft distribution window. The expanded state, for example, can be configured to open the graft distribution window which at least substantially closes upon the reversible collapse.

The invention relates to a set for the endoscopic fixation of an implant by means of a nail or pin. It comprises the following: an applicator sheath insertable through an endoscope into an intervertebral disk and through which an implant is insertable into an intervertebral disk defect; a drill wire guide sheath sized to be insertable into the applicator sheath; and a pusher for imparting blows during the fixation of an implant in the intervertebral disk by means of a nail or pin, wherein the pusher being sized to be insertable into the applicator sheath. In addition, the set may comprise an implant and or at least one nail or pin.

The present disclosure provides a surgical implant device, including: a solid surface; and a lattice structure disposed adjacent to the solid surface, wherein the lattice structure includes a first plurality of struts that define a first plurality of voids adjacent to the solid surface and a second plurality of struts that define a second plurality of voids remote from the solid surface. Each of the first plurality of struts has an average cross-sectional diameter that is smaller than an average cross-sectional diameter of each of the second plurality of struts. Each of the first plurality of voids has an average internal diameter that is smaller than an average internal diameter of each of the second plurality of voids. The surgical implant device also includes a needle-populated porous surface disposed adjacent to the solid surface opposite the lattice structure.

A facemask includes integrated actuating modules having sensors and other mechanisms. The facemask has one or more sockets into which various modules may be inserted. The facemask itself or the modules may include air filters and check valves to regulate airflow along or through the various modules. The modules may detect various substances either in the ambient air or the air exhaled by the wearer. The facemask also includes modules for measuring pulmonary and/or cardiovascular exertion, lung capacity and other physiological metrics. Other modules may provide supplements, vitamins or other substances such as tobacco smoke or vapor from vaporizers to the wearer. The modules may include microcontrollers in wireless communication with software applications on electronic devices so that the facemask may also serve as a cellular phone.

Improved bone plate systems are described herein. In some instances, a bone plate system can include a base plate, at least one retainer plate, and at least one spacer. The at least one retainer plate is configured to reside on the base plate in a free floating manner and can receive at least one fastener to secure the retainer plate to the at least one spacer, thereby providing a plate system that attaches to a spacer. In other instances, a bone plate system can include a base plate having one or more push plates that can engage at least one spacer.

The present invention provides a supporting member and a supporting member assembly including the same to be implanted into or between a subject's bones, and a template plug and a tamper corresponding to the supporting member. The supporting member comprises a main body; a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion formed on the upper and lower sides of the main body respectively and forming a dovetail joint with each other; and a guiding structure formed at a side of the main body and including guiding holes as well as a buffer groove for mating with an external template plug. The supporting members of the invention can be sequentially implanted and connected into a bone or between two connected bones, and improve the defect of the conventional one-size giant implants injuring the surrounding nerves.

Artificial intervertebral discs include an annulus fibrosus portion and a nucleus pulposus portion. Annulus fibrosus portions disclosed and contemplated herein include a plurality of layers. Fibers within the layers are arranged to provide a crisscross pattern between adjacent layers. Nucleus pulposus portions disclosed and contemplated herein can include a flexible, sealed enclosure.