A semi-synthetic hybrid material having a pH from 7 to 7.4 includes an inorganic fraction and a cross-linked organic fraction. The method for producing this material, and osteosynthesis devices or implants made of semi-synthetic hybrid material are also described.

An expandable device for expanding and supporting body tissue comprises an inferior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact one body tissue surface and a superior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact an opposing body tissue surface. The inferior endplate and the superior endplate are movable relative to each other in a direction of expansion. The device includes an elevator captively supported between the inferior endplate and the superior endplate for independent movement along the direction of expansion. In the first direction the elevator is moved toward said superior endplate to lift the superior endplate and expand the device. In the second direction the elevator moves away from said superior endplate toward said inferior endplate to create a space for insertion of an insert into the expanded device.

The present invention is directed generally to (1) an articulating junction, and articulation method thereof, wherein articulation is facilitated by a plurality of magnetic particles; (2) an articulating junction, and articulation method thereof, wherein the stability and fluidity of the junction is based, at least in part, on the magnetic field(s) of the plurality of magnetic particles; and (3) reducing the resistance to articulation and/or increasing the structural integrity and support, of the articulating junction, via electro-magnetism. Further, the present invention is directed generally to the synergistic combination of magnetic particles and preferred bio-implant-materials and additive-manufacturing methods along with Baker correlation codes. Further, the present invention is directed to an artificial joint for implantation into a living body and methods for constructing such an artificial joint.

Devices and methods are provided for treatment of the cervical spine. The devices and methods allow for treatment to be delivered from a lateral or posterior-lateral location of a subject, proximate to the cervical region of the spine. One exemplary embodiment of a spinal implant includes an elongate cage member and a plate member appended to a proximal end of the cage member. The plate member can be oriented in a manner such that it is asymmetric with respect to a long axis of the cage member. In another exemplary embodiment, an implant includes a cage member having a distal end that has an asymmetrical, bulleted shape such that the distal end is biased towards a superior or cranial direction. In a third exemplary embodiment, an implant includes a spinal fixation element and at least two mounting eyelets formed thereon. Exemplary methods related to implanting spinal implants from a lateral or posterior-lateral location are also provided.

An artificial hip joint stem is used to replace the damaged femoral head or acetabulum and includes a stem body having a head fixing part, which fixes a head, and an operating space horizontally opened at the upper side thereof. A head insertion hole connects to the operating space. A screw part is inserted into the head insertion hole. An operation converting part is inserted into the operating space to vertically move by the screw part when the operation converting part is connected to the screw part. A fixing bracket is inserted into the operating space such that the screw part is fixed to rotate without changing the depth thereof. A variable operating part is inserted into a supporting surface of the stem body to adjust a horizontal width by means of the operation converting part. A movable pin fixes the variable operating part to the operation converting part.

An expandable device for expanding and supporting body tissue comprises an inferior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact one body tissue surface and a superior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact an opposing body tissue surface. The inferior endplate and the superior endplate are movable relative to each other in a direction of expansion. The device includes an elevator captively supported between the inferior endplate and the superior endplate for independent movement along the direction of expansion. In the first direction the elevator is moved toward said superior endplate to lift the superior endplate and expand the device. In the second direction the elevator moves away from said superior endplate toward said inferior endplate to create a space for insertion of an insert into the expanded device.

Disclosed herein are implants with threaded inserts and methods for attaching the same to the implants. The threaded insert may define a first external dimension and include an internally threaded hole to receive a fastener. The implant may include a receiving hole with a proximal portion having a proximal diameter and a distal portion having a distal diameter. The distal diameter may be greater than the proximal diameter and substantial the same as the first dimension of the insert to secure the insert in the receiving hole. A method of attaching a threaded insert to a receiving hole of an implant with an insertion tool is also disclosed.

A method and apparatus for replacing a selected portion of the anatomy is described. In particular, a prosthesis can be provided to replace a portion of an articulating joint, such as an elbow. The apparatus can be modular for various reasons and each of the modular portions can include a different dimension to achieve a selected result. For example, the prosthesis can achieve a different size condylar replacement, a selected offset, a selected articulation, or combinations thereof.

The present application generally relates to orthopedic systems, and in particular, to systems including independent plates and spacers. A plating system can include a spacer and a plate that is independent from the spacer. A number of locking mechanisms can be provided to secure the plate to the spacer. In some cases, the spacer includes a pair of notches that extend on an outer surface of the spacer. The plate can include a pair of lateral extensions that can engage the notches to secure the plate to the spacer. In other cases, the spacer includes an opening including a pair of inlets. The plate can include an enclosed posterior extension that can be received in the pair of inlets to secure the plate to the spacer.

An expandable fusion cage system includes an expandable fusion cage having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a hinge portion coupling the lower portion and the upper portion at their distal ends. Positioned between the upper and lower portions is an expansion element that when moved in the proximal direction causes the cage to expand at its proximal end. The system can also include inserter instruments, expandable distraction instruments, and bone funnels.