An implant constituted of: a body exhibiting a longitudinal axis; proximal arms extending from the body, each of the proximal arms extending in a respective direction and exhibiting a respective acute angle with the longitudinal axis, the body positioned between the proximal arms; distal arms extending from the body, each of the distal arms extending in a respective direction and exhibiting a respective acute angle with the longitudinal axis, the respective directions of extension of the distal arms generally opposing the respective directions of extension of the proximal arms, the body positioned between the distal arms; and intermediate arm assemblies extending from the body, each of the intermediate arm assemblies extending in a respective direction rotated about the longitudinal axis from the respective extension directions of the proximal arms and exhibiting a respective acute angle with the longitudinal axis, the body positioned between the intermediate arm assemblies.

A spinal implant comprises a first member, a second member and an actuator defining a transverse pivot axis, A first link is connected to the first member and the actuator adjacent the pivot axis. The first link includes an inner surface defining a cavity. A second link is connected to the second member and the actuator adjacent the pivot axis. The actuator is rotatable for translating the pivot axis such that the second link is movable within the cavity to move the members between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

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.

A process for introducing a stabilizing element into a vertebral column, in which the stabilizing element is introduced in such a manner that the stabilizing element connects two adjacent vertebral bodies to one another.

An intervertebral cage includes a plurality of segments that are connected together by one or more members formed from a shape memory alloy material such that the segments are automatically moved from an initial orientation before implantation/insertion in an intervertebral space to an expanded orientation after implantation/insertion in the intervertebral space. Each of the plurality of segments may have a plurality of passageways or recesses formed therethrough, and wherein a wire formed from a shape memory alloy material extends through each of the plurality of passageways or recesses. The member may be formed from a shape memory alloy material that demonstrates shape memory effects and superelasticity properties, such as nitinol.

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for distracting tissue. The devices and methods may include insertion of first and second elongated members into the space between two tissue layers, with an augmenting elongated member at least partially inserted therebetween to form a distraction device between the tissues to be distracted. At least one of the first and second elongated members may be formed of a flexible core member with a plurality of rigid veneer members spaced along the length of the core member. At least one of the elongated members may include a shaping member that automatically moves from a generally linear configuration to a generally less linear configuration. A deployment catheter may include a deformable distal end to allow augmentation of the tissue distraction device during implantation. An injection aid may be provided for introducing a filler material into an interior defined by a deployed tissue distraction device.

A surgical implant having a surface treatment which contains primary cavities and secondary cavities. The primary cavities are larger than the secondary cavities and the primary cavities have an average length ranging from 20-500 micrometers. The surface treatment includes recasted material adjacent to a plurality of the primary cavities.

Implant devices, systems, and methods are used to prevent post-surgical dislocation of a surgically reconstructed ball-and-socket joint, while retaining the patient's range of motion. The implant device can have a cup having a substantially hemispherical inner contour; a head at least partially inserted within the cup, the head having an outer contour that is generally spherically-shaped, and an elastic retainer with an inner contour that is at least a cross-sectional segment of a spherical shape having substantially a same radius as the inner contour of the cup, the elastic retainer being attachable over an open end of the cup to retain the head within the cup and allowing the outer contour of the head to freely rotate and/or pivot against the inner contour of the cup over the predetermined range of motion of the ball-and-socket joint.

Bone and joint stabilization devices or systems are described that include multiple-layer bodies. The approach offers dramatically improved fatigue life as compared to one-piece spring members that are otherwise similar or comparable. Coordinated improved-strength anchor embodiments, anchor loading tools and methods of use are also described.

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.