An implant inserter is adapted to secure and facilitate insertion of a surgical implant. The implant has an inserter attachment interface having a narrow external opening at a surface thereof and a broader internal opening. The implant inserter includes a handle and an inserter shaft. The implant inserter also includes a pair of flexible tabs extending from a distal end of the inserter shaft with laterally extending protrusions adapted to extend into the broader internal opening and an expansion shaft adapted to selectively extend between the flexible tabs whereby the expansion shaft prevents flexion of the flexible tabs such that the laterally extending protrusions secure the surgical implant, and whereby when the expansion shaft does not extend between the flexible tabs, the flexible tabs can be flexed inwardly to cause the laterally extending protrusions to have a narrower profile that is able to be passed through the narrow external opening.

Surgical cutting instruments and methods of use are described. The surgical cutting instrument (100) comprises an instrument body (102) with a first attachment mechanism (106) at a distal end. A cutter (104) has a central core (110), a plurality of cutting formations (130, 136) and a plurality of lobes (112, 114, 116) extending from the central core. The central core has side walls (118, 120, 122) which define an entirely open mouth and the side walls include a second attachment mechanism (140, 142, 144) which can interact with the first attachment mechanism to releasably attach the cutter to the distal end of the instrument body. At least one cutting formation (136) is provided on an end outer face (138) of the cutter opposite the entirely open mouth.

An intervertebral implant has a hollow space formed within the implant and accessible through an elongate opening extending through a recessed portion of the side wall, and the hollow space is shaped to receive an engagement portion of a drive shaft of an insertion tool; and the intervertebral implant includes at least two guiding surfaces facing each other and being configured for sliding engagement by a portion of a sleeve of the insertion tool movably holding the drive shaft.

Disclosed is a system to assist in a procedure. During the procedure an object may be moved relative to a subject, such as being positioned and/or placed within a subject. The system and related method may be used to assist in displaying and/or determining a pose of the object relative to a subject, such as rigid portions of a subject.

Disclosed is a system to assist in a procedure. During the procedure an object may be moved relative to a subject, such as being positioned and/or placed within a subject. The system and related method may be used to assist in displaying and/or determining a pose of the object relative to a subject, such as rigid portions of a subject.

A posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) implant that comprises a body with substantially parallel posterior and anterior sidewalls, and a pair of superior and inferior faces. The implant is inserted via an insertion tool within a depression in the sidewalls of the implant. The insertion tool is secured to the side walls of the implant to prevent any bending or breaking of the implant or the inserter during implantation. Once inserted, the implant may be rotated approximately 90 degrees within the disc space. Because of the shape and size of the implant, the effective height of the implant within a patient's disc space is increased upon rotation.

A spinal implant system is provided for bridging an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies bordering the intervertebral space. The spinal implant system includes at least one adjustable end cap and a spinal implant. The end cap can be used with additional end caps and/or the spinal implant. Multiple end caps can be stacked on top of one another, and one end cap can be attached to a first end of the spinal implant, and another end cap 10 can be attached to a second end of the spinal implant. Thus, one or more of the end caps can be attached to either end of the spinal implant.

An intervertebral implant has a hollow space formed within the implant and accessible through an elongate opening extending through a recessed portion of the side wall, and the hollow space is shaped to receive an engagement portion of a drive shaft of an insertion tool; and the intervertebral implant includes at least two guiding surfaces facing each other and being configured for sliding engagement by a portion of a sleeve of the insertion tool movably holding the drive shaft.

Methods and apparatus for posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgical procedures. The apparatus includes a sleeve assembly for guiding an interbody graft into position between adjacent anatomical structures. The sleeve includes a first piece having a first internal ramp and a second piece having a second internal ramp opposite the first internal ramp, and an elastic band configured to connect the first and second pieces together. The first and second internal ramps comprise a V shape with an opening therebetween through which the interbody graft is urged during the surgical procedure.

The artificial joint of the present invention is provided with a cup having a first housing part that opens on one first-direction side, an insert that is housed in the first housing part and has a second housing part that opens on one first-direction side, a movable member having a spherical head part rotatably housed in the second housing part and a neck part extending from the head part, and a connecting part that connects the insert to the cup pivotably around a pivotal axis extending in a second direction; the neck part contacting an edge part of the insert by pivoting around the pivotal axis; the insert pivoting around the pivotal axis; and part of the opposite side of the side pushed in by the neck part across the pivotal axis protruding from the cup to one first-direction side.