The use of lipids in the taper junction or other metal on metal interface of a modular orthopedic implant to prevent fretting corrosion and increase the pull off load. The incorporation of lipids or a lipid-like substrate within the taper junction increases the onset load and decreases the amount of corrosion. The incorporation of lipids also increases the pull-off load necessary to separate the head from the neck. As a result, the use of lipids in the taper junction of an orthopedic implant should reduce the need for revisions of implants, such as such as knee and hip replacements, which are often needed because of fretting corrosion.

Bone joint implants are described herein. The bone joint implants may comprise a metallic proximal platform configured for translational motion on the trapezium bone; a distal stem configured for intramedullary engagement with an end of the first metacarpal bone; an articulating coupling between the proximal platform and distal stem; and a proximal non-metallic wear surface and a distal non-metallic wear surface.

Bone joint implants are described herein. The bone joint implants may comprise a metallic proximal platform configured for translational motion on the trapezium bone; a distal stem configured for intramedullary engagement with an end of the first metacarpal bone; an articulating coupling between the proximal platform and distal stem; and a proximal non-metallic wear surface and a distal non-metallic wear surface.

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.

This disclosure relates to intervertebral disc prostheses which may have an upper plate, a lower plate, and a mobile core, with the upper surface of the core being in contact with at least a part of the lower surface of the upper plate. In some configurations, limit stops reduce friction while limiting or preventing the movements of the core relative to the lower plate, in translation and in rotation, respectively, along an axis substantially parallel to the lower plate and about an axis substantially perpendicular to the lower plate. Instrumentation for insertion of the prostheses into intervertebral spaces is also described.

This disclosure relates to intervertebral disc prostheses which may have an upper plate, a lower plate, and a mobile core, with the upper surface of the core being in contact with at least a part of the lower surface of the upper plate. In some configurations, limit stops reduce friction while limiting or preventing the movements of the core relative to the lower plate, in translation and in rotation, respectively, along an axis substantially parallel to the lower plate and about an axis substantially perpendicular to the lower plate. Instrumentation for insertion of the prostheses into intervertebral spaces is also described.

This disclosure relates to intervertebral disc prostheses which may have an upper plate, a lower plate, and a mobile core, with the upper surface of the core being in contact with at least a part of the lower surface of the upper plate. In some configurations, limit stops reduce friction while limiting or preventing the movements of the core relative to the lower plate, in translation and in rotation, respectively, along an axis substantially parallel to the lower plate and about an axis substantially perpendicular to the lower plate. Instrumentation for insertion of the prostheses into intervertebral spaces is also described.

Devices and methods for orthopedic support are disclosed. The device can have a first rigid section hingedly attached to a second rigid section. The device can be curved or rotated around obstructions along an access path to a target site. The device can be delivered to an intervertebral location in a patient.

A ball and socket assembly including a ball component with a notch formed therein. The socket is a one-piece structure including an opening sized to receive the ball component. The ball is a capable of being inserted into the socket when the notch, cavity, or undercut is properly oriented relative to the opening of the one-piece socket.

An implant device is provided that is configured for implantation at multiple locations between adjacent vertebrae. The implant device comprises an implant body, a first portion of the implant body, and a second portion of the implant body adjustably interconnected with the first portion. The implant body has a compact orientation and an extended orientation to allow the implant body to be shifted from one orientation to the other orientation for being positioned in any one of areas between the spinous processes of the adjacent vertebrae, between laminar regions of the adjacent vertebrae, spanning an opening in the annulus between the adjacent vertebrae, and in the intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae.