A method for implanting a medical device for implantation in a mammal joint. The method comprising the steps of creating an opening reaching from outside of the human body into the joint, providing said artificial contacting surface to said joint, fixating the artificial contacting surface to the joint, implanting said reservoir in the human body, and lubricating the artificial contacting surface with use of a lubricating fluid contained in said reservoir.

Expandable implants for engagement between vertebrae generally include an inner member, outer member, and gear member positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.

An intervertebral implant for implantation between an upper vertebral body and a lower vertebral body is disclosed. The intervertebral implant includes a body portion through which a first and a second pathway pass. A first straight anchor is movable in a straight path through the first pathway and a second straight anchor is movable in a straight path through the second pathway. A locking member is movable between an open position and a closed position to either block or allow the withdrawal of the first and second straight anchors.

An implant device used to replace and restore the function of the knee meniscus in a human. The compliant, yet resilient device is comprised of a biocompatible, non-degradable three-dimensional body comprised of at least a central body, a second structure, a third structure, and a coating. The device is concentrically aligned wherein the second structure is adjoined to the central body wherein the third structure is adjoined on the central body opposite of the second structure. The third structure further features a first and a second pulling element which is coupled to the central body and forms the outer periphery and major circumference of the device. The device is comprised of multiple components which provide tensile strength, compressive resilience, and attachment mechanisms for replacing the meniscus. Each structure is comprised of multiple surfaces which are further reinforced, separated, and connected by an individual plurality of vertical elements. The implantable device further features a surface coating on the surface of the central body.

Intervertebral spacer assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A method of insertion include inserting an intervertebral spacer and plate together using an insertion tool and, upon removal of the insertion tool, the intervertebral spacer and plate are no longer considered connected/coupled and act as separate components.

A composite joint implant device replaces or repairs damaged meniscus tissue in an animal or human. In one embodiment, a composite joint implant comprises a polymeric body which is reinforced with a pre-formed engineered ligature mechanism. The ligature reinforces the polymeric body around the circumference and is used for attaching the device within an animal or human body. The ligature mechanism internally supports the transmission of vertical loads into tensile stresses. The ligature mechanism can be coated with a compatible material to promote integration with the polymeric body and coated with an encapsulation material.

Anchoring devices, anchoring systems for intervertebral implants, intervertebral implants, and instruments and methods for implanting implants are disclosed. In preferred configurations, these various objects share the feature of comprising or cooperating with an anchoring device having a body comprising at least one curved plate elongated along a longitudinal axis, designed to be inserted through a passage crossing at least a part of implant, in order to penetrate into at least one vertebral endplate and attach implant onto this vertebral endplate by means of at least one stop retaining the implant, characterized in that the body comprises at least one longitudinal rib on at least a part of at least one of its faces, said rib being designed to cooperate with a groove made in passage of implant. In some preferred configurations, anchoring device comprises withdrawal stops or latches, and/or means for withdrawing the anchor from an inserted position.

Systems and methods are described for correcting sagittal imbalance in a spine including instruments for performing the controlled release of the anterior longitudinal ligament through a lateral access corridor and hyper-lordotic lateral implants.

An implant including a first segment at a first end, a second segment at a second end, and an intermediate segment coupled to the first segment on a first end and coupled to the second segment on a second end. The first segment may include an insertion tip at the first end of the implant and a body portion adjacent to the insertion tip, the insertion tip extending out from the body portion. The second segment may include an end member at the second end of the implant and a body portion adjacent to the end member, the end member extending out from the body portion. The second segment may include a plurality of tip portions spaced about a longitudinal axis of the second segment, and the tip portions each including at least one barb formed by a taper portion and an engagement portion extending radially into the tip portion.

An expandable interspinous process fixation system capable of restoring spinal stability and facilitating fusion. In one embodiment, the expandable interspinous process fixation system includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. Each endplate supporting fixed and/or adjustable spinous process engaging plates.