The present invention provides a support element for implantation into or between a subject's bones, characterized in that: the support element is a hollow nestable structure having expandable elasticity, and can be in a contracted configuration or a distended configuration. The present invention also provides an implant component, comprising: the support element; and a limiting member to prevent the support element from expanding and thereby keep the support element in the contracted configuration. The present invention also provides an implant system applicable to a subject's spine, the implant system comprising: the support element as a first support element; and optionally one or a plurality of the support elements in the hollow nestable structure of the first support element. The support element can be nested until the support provided by the entire implant system reaches the desired level.

Deployable Euler Spiral Connectors (DESCs) are introduced as compliant deployable flexures that can span gaps between segments in a mechanism and then lay flat when under strain in a stowed position. This paper presents models of Euler spiral beams combined in series and parallel that can be used to design compact compliant mechanisms. Constraints on the flexure parameters of DESCs are also presented. Analytic models developed for the force-deflection behavior and stress were compared to finite element analysis and experimental data. A spinal implant and a linear ratcheting system are presented as illustrative applications of DESCs.

Systems and methods for providing patient-specific medical devices and patient-specific surgical plans are described herein. In some embodiments, a patient-specific implant is provided that includes an implant body configured to interface with one or more identified anatomical structures at and/or proximate a target position. The patient-specific implant also includes a data storage element positioned on and/or within the implant body. The data storage element can include memory storing data that is accessible after the patient-specific implant is implanted in the patient. The data can include (i) first data specifying at least one step of a patient-specific surgical plan for implanting the patient-specific implant at the target position, and (ii) second data specifying one or more characteristics of the patient-specific implant.

A distractor includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate includes an outer surface having a surface irregularity provided thereon and an inner surface having a protrusion provided thereon. The second plate includes an outer surface having a surface irregularity provided thereon and an inner surface having a recess provided thereon. The protrusion engages with the recess in a ball and socket configuration that permits relative movement of the first and second plates.

An expandable support device for tissue repair is disclosed. The device can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone or vertebral discs. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. The device and method can be used to treat compression fractures. The compression fractures can be in the spine. The device can be deployed by compressing the device longitudinally resulting in radial expansion.

An inserter instrument for inserting an intervertebral fusion cage having curved sidewalls, comprising: a) a threaded securement rod that mates with the cage via screw threads; b) a cannulated cage holder to receive the rod and hold the cage in position as the sheath is retracted; and c) a bulleted cannulated sheath,
wherein the sheath is curved and comprises a superelastic shape memory material having a curved configuration and a straight configuration.

An expandable prosthetic implant for engagement between vertebrae includes a first member having a first end, a second end, a plurality of extensions and a hollow interior portion extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the plurality of extensions extend from the first end to the second end. A second member includes a first end, a second end, a hollow interior portion extending from the first end to the second end, and a plurality of extensions extending from the second end to the first end. The plurality extensions of the first member are configured to coaxially interdigitate with the second member, and the plurality of extensions of the second member are configured to coaxially interdigitate with the first member. The first member of the implant is moveable relative to the second member along a longitudinal axis.

In a first broad aspect, there is provided herein a bioactive device and system for fusion between two bones, two parts of a bony joint, or a bony defect, such as of the spine. The fusion device includes a screw having a head and a threaded shaft. The fusion device also includes a bone dowel having an internal bore of which at least a distal portion is threaded to engage the threads of the screw shaft. The bone dowel is made of a bone-like, biocompatible, or allograft material to provide a layer of bone-like, biocompatible, or allograft material between the screw and the spinal bone. The device is generally coaxial and is further described in the drawings and description herein.

This invention is directed to an assembled implant comprising two or more portions of bone that are held together in appropriate juxtaposition with one or more biocompatible pins to form a graft unit. Preferably, the pins are cortical bone pins. Typically, the cortical pins are press-fitted into appropriately sized holes in the bone portions to achieve an interference fit. The bone portions are allograft or xenograft.

The present invention provides a spinal implant structure. The spinal implant structure comprises a first part, a second part and at least one expansion arm. The second part is disposed on the horizontal orientation of the first part and does not overlap with the first part. The diameter of the first part is larger than that of the second part. One end of the expansion arm is connected to the first part, and the other end of the expansion arm is free end. The expansion arm and the first part create an angle. The expansion arm includes a supporting arm. One end of the supporting arm is connected to the expansion arm, and the other end of the supporting arm is connected the second part. The support arm includes a plurality of structure weakness. When the distance between the first part and the second part changes, the support arm bends from the structure weakness, thereby the angle is increased and the spinal implant structure is expanded. The first part, the second part, the expansion arm and the supporting arm are integrally formed.