Devices and methods are provided for treatment of the cervical spine. The devices and methods allow for treatment to be delivered from a lateral or posterior-lateral location of a subject, proximate to the cervical region of the spine. One exemplary embodiment of a spinal implant includes an elongate cage member and a plate member appended to a proximal end of the cage member. The plate member can be oriented in a manner such that it is asymmetric with respect to a long axis of the cage member. In another exemplary embodiment, an implant includes a cage member having a distal end that has an asymmetrical, bulleted shape such that the distal end is biased towards a superior or cranial direction. In a third exemplary embodiment, an implant includes a spinal fixation element and at least two mounting eyelets formed thereon. Exemplary methods related to implanting spinal implants from a lateral or posterior-lateral location are also provided.

Some embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus that (1) delivers a fusion member between two vertebral bodies after at least a portion of the fibrocartilaginous disc between the vertebral bodies has been removed, and (2) affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes (1) a fusion member that is delivered and positioned between the vertebral bodies, (2) a delivery mechanism that delivers and positions the fusion member between the vertebral bodies, and (3) an anchoring member that affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies.

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.

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 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 spacer member is provided that is configured to be implanted adjacent an anatomical structure. The spacer member defines a curved bore, a first opening in a side wall of the spacer member and a second opening in one of a top wall and a bottom wall of the spacer member. Each of the first opening and the second opening are in fluid communication with the curved bore. A flexible anchoring member is configured to be inserted through the side opening and through the curved bore of the spacer member such that a distal end portion of the flexible anchoring member extends out of the second opening at an angle relative to the one of the top wall and the bottom wall of the spacer member.

The present disclosure generally relates to an intervertebral disc prosthesis for partially or totally replacing an organic intervertebral disc. The disc prosthesis includes an interbody device, a face plate and a pair of locking mechanisms for achieving dual fixation in the cephalad and caudal direction. Methods according to the present disclosure achieve such dual fixation in a single fixation step.

Disclosed are surgical implants for providing therapy to a treatment site, tool sets and methods for percutaneously accessing and deploying the implants within the spines. The treatment site may be a vertebral body, disc, and/or motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine.

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.