An example device for implantation into a patient at a location between two bone bodies.

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.

A cage to be inserted between vertebrae reduces a risk of damage to organs and nerves in the process of insertion surgery and facilitates the process of insertion surgery. The cage can be inserted in one insertion direction between a plurality of vertebrae, wherein the insertion direction forms a predetermined insertion angle with respect to the anterior aspect of the spine, and an upper surface and a lower surface of the cage are provided to correspond to a lower surface and an upper surface of the vertebrae. Also, the cage is stably fixed, and side effects after surgery is reduced. Also, the surgery time is reduced, and a burden on the patient is reduced. In addition, advantages of anterior insertion and direct lateral insertion are combined, and thus post-surgery outcomes in patients may be improved.

Artificial meniscal scaffolds characterized by a composite of circumferential polymer fiber network and orthogonal polymer fiber network embedded in an arcuate bioresorbable matrix comprised of collagen and hyaluronic acid. The orthogonal polymer fiber network prevents separation of the circumferential polymer fiber networks. The polymer fiber networks convert axial compressive forces on the scaffolds to tensile loads on the circumferential polymer fibers. The composite scaffold can be anchored to bone by novel anchoring components that protect the polymer fibers and ensure immediate securement of the artificial meniscal scaffold to bone.

In various aspects, an implant includes a body having a lattice structure, with the lattice structure extending continuously from a superior surface of the body to an inferior surface of the body. The lattice structure may define a gradient of pores, with each pore in the gradient having a plurality of vertices. Additionally, the implant may include a plurality of projections extending superiorly from each of the plurality of vertices of each pore of the gradient of pores at the superior surface of the body, with each projection of the plurality of projections having a directionality. The implant may also include one or more radiographic markers incorporated into the lattice structure, the one or more radiographic markers having a density greater than the density of the lattice structure immediately around the one or more radiographic markers and being comprised of the same material as the lattice structure.

Artificial meniscal scaffolds characterized by a composite of circumferential polymer fiber network and orthogonal polymer fiber network embedded in an arcuate bioresorbable matrix comprised of collagen and hyaluronic acid. The orthogonal polymer fiber network prevents separation of the circumferential polymer fiber networks. The polymer fiber networks convert axial compressive forces on the scaffolds to tensile loads on the circumferential polymer fibers. The composite scaffold can be anchored to bone by novel anchoring components that protect the polymer fibers and ensure immediate securement of the artificial meniscal scaffold to bone.