A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

An orthopedic implant can comprise a structural body, a plug and a frangible connection. The structural body can comprise a first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface, and a through-bore extending from the first surface to the second surface. The through-bore can have a bore surface. The structural body can be formed of a porous material. The plug can be disposed in the through-bore. The frangible connection can link the bore surface and the plug. A method of manufacturing an orthopedic implant can comprise producing a porous structural body having a port, producing a plug for positioning in the port, and producing a plurality of frangible crosspieces within the port to connect the plug to the structural body.

A reference-point providing (RPP) device for conversion of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) to total knee arthroplasty (TKA), has a wedge having a joint surface, a bottom flat surface, and a second surface, the second surface extending from the bottom flat surface to the joint surface at a thick end of the wedge and a mounting flange; the wedge fitting in a space remaining after removal of a UKA implant with the joint surface providing a reference point for determining alignment of a TKA implant. Converting a UKA to TKA with the RPP requires removing UKA implant from a femur of a patient, inserting the RPP and attaching it to the femur; using a posterior reference guide having a first paddle on a condyle of the femur and a second paddle on the RPP, to determine necessary alignment and rotation of the TKA implant; and removing the RPP.

The present invention relates to a discal annular assistance device and the surgical instruments necessary for the insertion and removal thereof. This new device assists the annulus fibrosus following the exeresis of the nucleus pulposus of a lumbar intervertebral disc, to stop accelerated progression towards the discoligamentous instability of a vertebral unit operated on for a nucleus pulposus hernia.

Disclosed are designs, methods and systems for manufacturing implants, implant components, features of implant components, and/or related tools using solid freeform fabrication or additive metals technologies.

An orthopedic implant can comprise a structural body, a plug and a frangible connection. The structural body can comprise a first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface, and a through-bore extending from the first surface to the second surface. The through-bore can have a bore surface. The structural body can be formed of a porous material. The plug can be disposed in the through-bore. The frangible connection can link the bore surface and the plug. A method of manufacturing an orthopedic implant can comprise producing a porous structural body having a port, producing a plug for positioning in the port, and producing a plurality of frangible crosspieces within the port to connect the plug to the structural body.

This augment insert (200), comprises a coupling member (204) for securing the augment insert to a glenoid component (103) of a shoulder prosthesis (101), and a body (202), comprising a first side (206), configured to bear against a scapular side (107) of the glenoid component when the augment insert is secured to the glenoid component by means of the coupling member; and a second side, opposed to the first side and configured to bear against or be adjacent to a scapula of a patient. According to the invention, the body (202) comprises at least one breakable portion (230), extending from the first side (206) to the second side and configured to be broken off the body. The aperture (234) is provided for accommodating an engaging member (111) of the glenoid component (103), said engaging member protruding from a scapular surface (127) of the scapular side (107) of the glenoid component (103) and being configured for securing the shoulder prosthesis to the scapula.

A medical device for implantation in a hip joint of a patient is provided. The medical device comprising a first piece being adapted to be fixated to the femoral bone and a second piece adapted to be fixated to the pelvic bone. The medical device further comprises a releasing which in a first state is adapted to hold said first piece attached to said second piece, and in a second state release said first piece from said second piece. The releasing member is adapted to change from said first state to said second state when a predetermined strain is placed on said releasing member by the connection with the first or second piece. The medical device further comprises a calibration member for calibrating the pre-determined strain required for said releasing member to change from said first state to said second state.