A system for implanting an inter-body device between adjacent vertebrae comprises an inter-body device having a plurality of cans secured to a flexible bridge and having a relief portion therebetween. An inserter tube and complementary bullnoses are advantageously secured to the vertebrae by an extension arm for securing the assembly precisely in place. A plurality of articulating trial implants are provided to test fit a disc space for the proper sized inter-body device.

A process for introducing a stabilizing element into a vertebral column, in which the stabilizing element is introduced in such a manner that the stabilizing element connects two adjacent vertebral bodies to one another.

A two-part joint replacement device for replacing damaged soft joint tissue, such as a meniscus or cartilage tissue. In one form, the device may include a free floating soft joint tissue replacement component comprising a first tissue-interface surface shaped to engage a first anatomical (bone and/or cartilage) structure of a joint having damaged soft tissue. The device may also include a free floating rigid base component comprising a second tissue-interface surface shaped to engage a second anatomical (bone and/or cartilage) structure of the joint. The free floating soft joint tissue replacement component may be shaped to slidably interface with the rigid base component. In another form, the free floating soft joint tissue replacement component and the rigid base component are fixed together.

An expandable, intervertebral spacer includes a top component and a base component in engagement with the top component, the base component defining at least one channel for receiving a hardening material, and placement of the hardening material within the channel causes the top component to move between a first position in which the top component is a first distance from the base component and a second position in which the top component is a second distance from the base component, the second distance being greater than the first distance. The hardening material can be removed from the channel by a flexible coring tool, and the top component forced toward the base component to collapse the spacer.

An orthopedic system that includes a first augment that has a body and a first biasing member projecting from the body. The body has a first and second face. The first and second faces are separated by a thickness of the augment. The system also includes a femoral prosthesis that has an articular side that defines condylar portions and a bone-facing side opposite the articular side. The bone facing side defines an augment opening that is sized to receive the augment therein. When the first augment is received within the augment opening, the first biasing member presses directly against the femoral prosthesis so as to retain the body within the augment opening.

Disclosed herein are electromagnetic enhanced spinal implants inserted into the disc space via a minimally invasive surgical approach. The spinal implants can include one or more internal coils that generate a magnetic field to enhance bone growth. The device can be powered by an external transmitter. The transmitter will provide a minimum voltage and power output that will allow stimulation of the internal coil.

A facet joint replacement system includes a facet joint replacement device including an enclosing body and an articulating body. The enclosing body includes an interior surface defining an inner cavity of the enclosing body. The interior surface includes a first articulating surface and a projection extending inwardly relative to a surrounding area of the interior surface. The articulating body is positioned within the inner cavity of the enclosing body and is configured to move within the enclosing body. The articulating body includes a second articulating surface and a recess extending inwardly relative to a surrounding area of the articulating body and aligned with the projection of the interior surface of the enclosing body so as to allow movement of the projection along the recess of the enclosing body while constraining rotational motion of the articulating body within the enclosing body.

A system for implanting an inter-body device between adjacent vertebrae comprises an inter-body device having a plurality of cans secured to a flexible bridge and having a relief portion therebetween. An inserter tube and complementary bullnoses are advantageously secured to the vertebrae by an extension arm for securing the assembly precisely in place. A plurality of articulating trial implants are provided to test fit a disc space for the proper sized inter-body device.

Spinal implant trials are provided having various configurations and sizes that aid the selection of spinal implants having similar configurations and sizes. A surgeon during surgery can insert various configurations and sizes of the spinal implant trials into a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a patient to enable the selection of a spinal implant configured and sized to fit the patient's disc space. Fluoroscopic images can be used in aiding the selection of an appropriately configured and sized spinal implant corresponding to one of the spinal implant trials. The spinal implant trials include features that reveal on the fluoroscopic images whether the spinal implant trials are properly oriented and positioned in the disc space. As such, the selection of the configuration and size of the spinal implants can be made after it is determined that the spinal implant trials are properly oriented and positioned within the disc space.