A stemless humeral component for replacing the humeral head of a patient's humerus includes a support flange having a number of cantilevered legs extending distally away from a bottom surface thereof. Instruments and methods for surgically installing the stemless humeral component are also disclosed.

Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra.

An apparatus for facilitating the mounting of a prosthetic articulation surface to a patient tissue includes an anchoring base including a central fastener aperture extending longitudinally therethrough. A first base end is laterally spaced from the central fastener aperture. A second base end is laterally spaced from the first base end with the central fastener aperture laterally interposed therebetween. Both of the first and second base ends include a plate engagement feature. An anchor plate includes a central coupler aperture extending longitudinally therethrough. An outer perimeter is spaced laterally apart from the central coupler aperture. A plate rim extends laterally inward from the outer perimeter to substantially laterally surround the central coupler aperture. At least one plate fastener aperture extends longitudinally through the plate rim. At least one base engagement feature is located on the plate rim and is selectively engageable with the plate engagement feature of the anchoring base.

A prosthetic joint includes: (a) a first member comprising rigid material and having a perimeter flange defined by an undercut groove, the flange defining a wear-resistant first contact surface having a protruding rim; (b) a second member comprising rigid material and having a perimeter flange defined by an undercut groove, the flange defining a wear-resistant, second contact surface having a protruding rim; and (c) a third member comprising rigid material positioned between the first and second members, the third member defining opposed wear-resistant third and fourth contact surfaces; (d) wherein the first and second contact surfaces bear against the third and fourth contact surfaces, to transfer loads through the member, while allowing pivoting motion between the first and second members; (e) wherein the flanges can deform elastically such that the first and second contact surfaces conform to the third and fourth contact surfaces.

Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra.

The invention relates to a glenoid (shoulder socket) implant prosthesis, a humeral implant prosthesis, devices for implanting glenoid and humeral implant prostheses, and less invasive methods of their use for the treatment of an injured or damaged shoulder.

A spinal fusion system comprising an interbody device includes a leading end, trailing end, and opposed bone contacting sides extending therebetween. The trailing end defines a threaded opening that extends toward the leading end. The system also includes a bone plate that includes inner and outer surfaces and defines a first bone screw opening and connection screw opening extending therethrough. The system further includes a connection screw that includes a head and a threaded shaft. The head is positioned within the connection screw opening of the bone plate and is rotatably connected thereto such that the connection screw is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof but is prohibited from translational movement relative to the bone plate. The threaded shaft extends from the connection screw opening and is configured for threaded engagement with the threaded opening of interbody device.

A glenoid implant system, for example, includes a glenoid implant and a glenoid cutting guide. The glenoid implant includes a body having a concave surface with a first curved edge portion and a second curved edge portion, and an attachment surface having a concave edge portion joined to the second curved edge portion of the concave surface. The concave surface and the attachment surface are disposed at an angle. The glenoid cutting guide includes a body having a convex surface engageable with a surface of a glenoid cavity and a cutting guide surface for resecting a cutout in a glenoid cavity, the cutout having a curved edge portion corresponding to the second curved edge portion of the glenoid implant.

A glenoid implant system, for example, includes a glenoid implant and a glenoid cutting guide. The glenoid implant includes a body having a concave surface with a first curved edge portion and a second curved edge portion, and an attachment surface having a concave edge portion joined to the second curved edge portion of the concave surface. The concave surface and the attachment surface are disposed at an angle. The glenoid cutting guide includes a body having a convex surface engageable with a surface of a glenoid cavity and a cutting guide surface for resecting a cutout in a glenoid cavity, the cutout having a curved edge portion corresponding to the second curved edge portion of the glenoid implant.

A humeral implant is disclosed. The implant has a humeral surface component and a stem. The humeral surface component has an articular surface and is configured for fixation to an articular portion of a proximal humerus. The stem is configured for post-surgery axial movement within the humerus. The stem is connected to the humeral surface component opposite of the articular surface. A method of implanting a humeral implant is also disclosed.