A knee-joint endoprosthesis includes a tibia component for proximal fixation to a tibia. The tibia component has a form-fitting section arranged on an upper face. The endoprosthesis also has a meniscus component configured to articulate with a femoral joint component. The meniscus component has a complementary form-fitting section arranged on a lower face. The tibia component and the meniscus component are joined together by a form-fitting connection formed between the form-fitting section and the complementary form-fitting section. At least one reinforcement element is inserted into the meniscus component and is configured to mechanically reinforce the form-fitting joint connection. The reinforcing element is arranged in the region of the complementary form-fitting section.

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 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.

An interbody implant includes an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The implant body includes a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. At least one of the vertebral engaging surfaces defines a cavity configured for disposal of bone growth detectable via medical imaging. Systems, spinal constructs, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a spinal implant assembly having features to prevent or minimize fixation elements, such as screws, from being dislodged, or from backing out over time and with use. The spinal implant assembly may comprise an implantable body having first apertures for receiving fixation elements. A plate configured to nest against the posterior portion of the implantable body and comprising one or more second apertures can be provided. These second apertures permit access to the head portions of the fixation elements. One or more locking elements are then passed through the second apertures and engage the head portions of the fixation elements. In addition, the plate may comprise an adjustable arm to allow the plate to be used with implantable bodies of different size.

An intervertebral disk prostheses for the total replacement of an intervertebral disk of the lumbar and cervical spine has an upper plate having upwardly projecting formations anchoring it to an upper vertebra on its upper face and a concavity on its inner face surrounded by an edge. A lower plate is provided with downwardly projecting formations anchoring it to a lower vertebra on its lower face and a flat inner face surrounding a groove extending front-to-back. A middle plate between the upper and lower plate has on its upper face a convexity that is identically or differently shaped to the concavity on the inner face of the upper plate and a ridge extending front-to-back surrounded by a flat lower face of the middle plate. The ridge has flanks and the groove houses the ridge of the middle plate and permits the ridge to slide front-to-back in the groove.

A flexible plastic, resin or polymer material forming a trial plate for use is surgery of bones including spine and extremities. The trial plate having at least one radioopaque region and which may have one radiolucent region. In some instances a main body includes one or more arms formed of subparts. Between the main body and subparts and between the subparts are rangible regions such a ribs or unbroken edges surrounding windows configured as predetermined break points to disassociate portions of an arm from the whole.

A spinal fusion implant including a body and a jacket is disclosed. The jacket includes at least two radiopaque markers extending therefrom for use in determining the position of the implant after placement between intervertebral bodies. Methods of implanting and evaluating positioning of the implant are also disclosed.

An intervertebral implant component of an intervertebral implant includes an outer surface for engaging an adjacent vertebra and an inner surface. A keel extends from the outer surface and is designed to be disposed in a slot provided in the adjacent vertebra. This keel extends in a plane which is non-perpendicular to the outer surface; and preferably there are two of the keels extending from the outer surface which are preferably offset laterally from one another. In another embodiment, an anterior shelf is provided at an anterior end of the outer surface, and this anterior shelf extends vertically away from the inner surface in order to help prevent bone growth from the adjacent vertebra towards the inner surface. Further in accordance with disclosed embodiments, various materials, shapes and forms of construction of the component and/or keel provide various benefits.

A system for implanting an inter-body device between adjacent vertebrae comprises an inter-body device having a plurality of cans secured to a flexible bridge and having a relief portion therebetween. An inserter tube and complementary bullnoses are advantageously secured to the vertebrae by an extension arm for securing the assembly precisely in place. A plurality of articulating trial implants are provided to test fit a disc space for the proper sized inter-body device.