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.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to an adjustable implant configured to be implanted into a patient that includes an adjustable portion moveable relative to a housing. The adjustable implant may include various smart components for enhancing operation of the implant. Smart components may include a controller for managing operations and a transducer for communicating ultrasound data with an external interface device. Additional smart components may include a load cell within the housing for measuring an imparted load; a sensor for measuring angular position of the adjustable portion; a dual sensor arrangement for measuring imparted forces; a reed switch; a half piezo transducer; and an energy harvester.

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. The device can have multiple flat sides that remain flat during expansion. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. Devices and methods for adjusting (e.g., removing, repositioning, resizing) deployed orthopedic expandable support devices are also disclosed. The expandable support devices can be engaged by an engagement device. The engagement device can longitudinally expand the expandable support device. The expandable support device can be longitudinally expanded until the expandable support device is substantially in a pre-deployed configuration. The expandable support device can be then be physically translated and/or rotated.

A stent for percutaneous vertebroplasty is described having a substantially tubular body that can be transitioned from a compressed state into an expanded state. The wall of the tubular body has a plurality of openings ensuring the expansion both in the longitudinal direction and in the peripheral direction of the stent. The stent has a cross-sectional shape deviating from the circular shape at least in the expanded state.

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.

A tool for inserting a spinal implant is disclosed. The tool includes a tube with a handle end, an inserter end having an opening, and a curved portion located between the handle end and the inserter end. A driveshaft with an actuator extends within the tube so that the actuator is proximate to the opening. A knob is attached to the handle end and the driveshaft, wherein turning the knob rotates the actuator. Methods of utilizing the tool, as well as variations of the tool are also disclosed.

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.

The present invention provides a spinal implant structure. The spinal implant structure comprises a first tube, a second tube and at least one expansion arm. The second tube is disposed on the horizontal orientation of the first tube and does not overlap with the first tube. The diameter of the first tube is larger than that of the second tube. One end of the expansion arm is connected to the first tube, and the other end of the expansion arm is free end. The expansion arm and the first tube 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 tube. The support arm, in response to a change in a distance between the first tube and the second tube, drives the expansion arm to move, thereby increasing the included angle and expanding the spinal implant structure.

Methods are described for conducting minimally invasive medical interventions utilizing instruments and assemblies thereof to stabilize and/or fixate a dysfunctional sacroiliac (SI) joint. In one embodiment, a defect creation assembly is advanced from a posterior approach into the SI joint and configured to create pilot SI joint opening; portions of which being disposed in the sacrum and ilium bone structures. After the pilot SI joint opening is created, a prosthesis is press-fit into the pilot SI joint opening, wherein the pilot SI joint opening transitions to a larger post-prosthesis insertion SI joint opening and the prosthesis is securely engaged to the sacrum and ilium bone structures.

Systems are described for stabilizing a dysfunctional sacroiliac (SI) joint of a subject. The systems include a tool assembly and a defect creation assembly, and a prosthesis. The tool assembly is adapted to create a pilot SI joint opening in the dysfunctional SI joint; portions of which being disposed in the sacrum and ilium bone structures. The prosthesis is sized and configured to be press-fit into the pilot SI joint opening, wherein the pilot SI joint opening transitions to a larger post-prosthesis insertion SI joint opening and the prosthesis is securely engaged to the sacrum and ilium bone structures. The system optionally includes an image capture apparatus adapted to capture images reflecting positions and/or orientations of the tool assembly when disposed in the subject's body.