A methodology for grafting together adjacent bony structures is provided using an implant device having an endplate with an inner disc portion and outer ring portion spaced from the inner disc portion by a connecting wall disposed therebetween. An endplate interior surface includes a retaining structure for securing the endplate to one of the bony structures, and endplate an exterior surface has an integrally formed socket. A ball-joint rod has a longitudinally extending body and an end, and at least a portion of the ball-joint rod end is curvilinear in shape. The curvilinear ball-joint rod end is rotatably disposed in the endplate socket to fixedly interconnect the bony structures.

A glenosphere includes a body and a flange. The body includes a first body surface and a spherical second body surface, and includes an engagement feature to engage with an attachment structure attachable to a bone. The flange extends radially outward from the body and includes a first flange surface contiguous with a first body surface and a second flange surface contiguous with the second body surface. The flange has a flange length extending from a first end and a second end such that an angle defined by a first line from a center of the body to the first end and a second line from the center of the body to the second end is less than 180 degrees.

A methodology for grafting together adjacent bony structures is provided using an implant device having an endplate with an inner disc portion and outer ring portion spaced from the inner disc portion by a connecting wall disposed therebetween. An endplate interior surface includes a retaining structure for securing the endplate to one of the bony structures, and endplate an exterior surface has an integrally formed socket. A ball-joint rod has a longitudinally extending body and an end, and at least a portion of the ball-joint rod end is curvilinear in shape. The curvilinear ball-joint rod end is rotatably disposed in the endplate socket to fixedly interconnect the bony structures.

Hip arthroplasty trial systems and associated medical devices, methods, and kits are described that can be utilized in situ to complete a femoral head trial. An example embodiment of a hip arthroplasty trial system includes a medical device and a femoral stem. The medical device has a head member, a spacer, a shaft, and a locking member. The spacer is disposed within the head member and is moveable from a first position to a second position. The shaft is disposed within the head member and contacts the femoral stem. The shaft is moveable from a first position to a second position. Movement of the shaft from the first position to the second position moves the spacer from its first position to its second position. The locking member is disposed within the head member and releasably attaches the shaft to the head member.

In one embodiment a method of implanting a prosthetic includes implanting a first member including a concave articulation surface portion defined by a first radius of curvature in a first bone, implanting in a second bone a second member including a first convex articulation surface portion defined by a second radius of curvature and a second convex articulation surface defined by a third radius of curvature, wherein the second convex articulation surface is defined by the lemon portion of a spindle torus and each of the second radius of curvature and the third radius of curvature has a length that is different from the length of the first radius of curvature by less than 0.05 millimeters and wherein the origin of the second radius of curvature is not coincident with the origin of the third radius of curvature, and bringing the first member into slidable contact with the second member.

Instrumentation for implanting a cervical disc replacement device includes cervical disc replacement trials for determining the appropriate size of replacement device to be implanted, an insertion plate for maintaining the elements of the replacement device in fixed relation to one another for simultaneous manipulation, an insertion handle for attachment to the insertion plate for manipulation of the elements, an insertion pusher for releasing the insertion handle from the insertion plate, a drill guide that cooperates with the insertion plate to guide the drilling of tap holes for bone screws to be placed through bone screw holes in the flanges of the replacement device, clips that are applied to the flanges after placement of the bone screws to resist screw backout, and a clip applicator for applying the clips to the flanges.

An artificial disc replacement device is disclosed. The device includes an upper endplate and a lower endplate, as well as a core assembly disposed between the endplates. The core assembly includes a core member with a curved engaging surface and a matrix member. The matrix member is more compressible than the core member. The curved engaging surface of the core member engages a recess in the upper endplate so that the upper endplate can translate along the curved engaging surface. The curved engaging surface has a greater curvature at its posterior end than at its anterior end to facilitate different ranges of motion during extension and flexion.

The disclosure includes methods and systems for making orthopedic connections where there is unique adjustability to the connection. Illustratively, one embodiment provides a connecting assembly for connecting a plurality of orthopedic components. Such connecting assemblies can include a first orthopedic component that provides a female bore. Additionally, the assembly can include a second orthopedic component that can be or include a male-type connecting member that is positionable in the bore of the first orthopedic component. In one preferred form, the male-type connecting member will be a quasi-spherical member. The quasi-spherical member can include a textured outer surface, e.g., for contacting one or more walls or surfaces in the bore in a fashion that removably locks or helps to removably lock or fix the quasi-spherical member in the bore.

A prosthesis for a vertebral column has an upper part (10) for attachment to an upper vertebrae, a lower part (12) for attachment to a lower vertebrae and a middle part (11) located between the upper and the lower parts, wherein the upper part has a lower surface portion with a first radius of curvature, the middle part has an upper surface portion with a second radius of curvature and a lower surface with a third radius of curvature and the lower part has an upper surface with a fourth radius of curvature. The center of the radius of curvature for at least two surfaces is offset rearwardly with respect to a central vertical axis (13) through the upper and lower vertebrae and/or the upper and lower parts. Also defined is device for linking bones, in the form of a band with attachment portions having a number of filaments that provide zones conducive to cellular growth as well as a method of modelling a prosthesis and a process for analyzing performance of a prosthesis.

The present invention provides artificial disc prostheses, methods and instrumentation for implantation and revision thereof. Each prosthesis may comprise superior and inferior end plates and a nucleus positioned between articular surfaces of the end plates. The end plates may have planar bone engagement surfaces with a plurality of self-cutting teeth. The articular surfaces of the end plates may be planar or include a flattened portion. The nucleus includes superior and inferior articular surfaces which may comprise flattened portions such that when the articular surfaces of the nucleus and the end plates are placed in cooperation in a preferred orientation, the flattened and/or planar portions are aligned. Each prosthesis may provide flexion/extension, anterior/posterior translation, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation degrees of freedom. One embodiment comprises a prosthesis with a first joint providing flexion/extension and anterior/posterior translation, and a second joint providing lateral bending and axial rotation.