Methods and apparatus for treating disc herniation provide a conformable device which assumes a first shape associated with insertion and a second shape or expanded shape to occlude the defect which typically follows partial discectomy. The device may take different forms according to the invention, including patches size to cover the defect or plugs adapted to fill the defect. In a preferred embodiment, however, the device is a gel or other liquid or semi-liquid which solidifies to occlude the defect from within the body of the disc itself. In another preferred embodiment, a mesh screen is collapsed into an elongated form for the purposes of insertion, thereby minimizing the size of the requisite incision while avoiding delicate surrounding nerves. Such a configuration also permits the use of instrumentation to install the device, including, for example, a hollow tube or sheath adapted to hold the collapsed screen, and a push rod to expel the collapsed device out of the sheath for use in occluding the disc defect. A device according to the invention may further include one or more anchors to assist in permanently affixing the device with respect to the defect.

The disclosure is directed to a resilient implant for implantation into human or animal joints to act as a cushion allowing for renewed joint motion. The implant endures variable joint forces and cyclic loads while reducing pain and improving function after injury or disease to repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint integrity. The implant is deployed in a prepared debrided joint space, secured to at least one of the joint bones and expanded in the space, molding to surrounding structures with sufficient stability to avoid extrusion or dislocation. The implant has opposing walls that move in varied directions, and an inner space filled with suitable filler to accommodate motions which mimic or approximate normal joint motion. The implant pads the damaged joint surfaces, restores cushioning immediately and may be employed to restore cartilage to normal by delivering regenerative cells.

A porous fusion device configured to aid in fusion of two or more biological tissues. The porous fusion device comprising an exterior frame, an exterior lattice cage within the exterior frame, an interior porous lattice structure, and a material injection port disposed at the exterior frame and projecting into the interior porous lattice structure. The interior porous lattice structure may be characterized by a variable density progression that mimics biological tissues and allows for material dispersal therethrough.

Systems, devices, and methods for providing orthopedic augments having recessed pockets that receive a fixation material. The orthopedic augments include an outer surface that interfaces with a patient's tissue or bone, and an inner surface that interfaces with an implant, the inner surface defining a recessed pocket configured to receive a fixation material, a rim around at least a portion of the recessed pocket, and a port in the rim, wherein the recessed pocket extends along the inner surface in at least a direction laterally from the port.

An orthopaedic prosthetic hip assembly and method for use during performance of a hip replacement procedure. The assembly includes a femoral stem component having a tapered trunnion and a femoral head component having a tapered bore. Upon insertion of the tapered trunnion into the tapered bore, a taper lock is formed and a seal provides a fluid-tight closure.

A prosthesis may include a stem, a ball stud, an adaptor, and a head. The stem may include a longitudinal axis and a bore having a central axis that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis. The ball stud may include a cylindrical shaft and a ball end. The cylindrical shaft may be received in the bore of the stem. The adaptor may include a tapered outer surface and a ball socket rotatably receiving the ball end of the stud. The head may be rotatably supported by the adaptor and may include a semispherical articulating surface and a female taper rotatably receiving the tapered outer surface of the adaptor.

A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.

An othopaedic prosthetic hip assembly for use during performance of a hip replacement procedure includes a femoral stem component having a tapered trunnion and a femoral head component having a tapered bore. Upon insertion of the tapered trunnion into the tapered bore, a taper lock is formed and a seal provides a fluid-tight closure.

Methods of performing procedures within an intervertebral disc are disclosed. The methods include performing procedures such as implant delivery, tissue manipulation, tissue diagnostics, and therapeutic and diagnostic agent delivery at selected locations within intervertebral discs. In one embodiment, a method includes delivering an anchor and an implant within a functional spinal unit using a surgical device having at least one depth stop.

A prosthesis may include a stem, a ball stud, an adaptor, and a head. The stem may include a longitudinal axis and a bore having a central axis that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis. The ball stud may include a cylindrical shaft and a ball end. The cylindrical shaft may be received in the bore of the stem. The adaptor may include a tapered outer surface and a ball socket rotatably receiving the ball end of the stud. The head may be rotatably supported by the adaptor and may include a semispherical articulating surface and a female taper rotatably receiving the tapered outer surface of the adaptor.