An prosthetic implant replaces hyaline cartilage in a synovial joint with a flexible polymer sliding surface, preferably of hydrogel, on a segmented support with an array of adjacent segments to which the hydrogel is molded. Adjacent segments are laterally and angularly displaceable permitting the implant to conform to rounded or irregular surfaces or to be rolled or folded for arthroscopic placement. Tension cables threaded through segments along a circuit can cinch segments together for stiffening the supporting layer and/or the cable can pull the implant against a bone surface. Adjacent segments can have inter-engaged structures. In some embodiments the segments are carried on a flexible foil or fibrous sheet.

A dynamic intervertebral spacer includes a ring which is split on an anterior portion. A posterior portion of the ring acts as a torsion spring. After implantation, the ring is able to act as a spring between superior and inferior vertebral bodies, thus allowing dynamic bone growth in fusion procedures.

A device for fusing bone segments especially adapted for a new approach to fusing bone segments or separate bones, the device uses a novel closure mechanism to draw bone segments closely together to promote greater bone fusion strength.

The embodiments provide various interbody fusion spacers, or cages, for insertion between adjacent vertebrae. The cages may have integrated expansion and angular adjustment mechanisms that allow the cage to change its height and angle as needed, with little effort. The cages may have a first, insertion configuration characterized by a reduced size to facilitate insertion through a narrow access passage and into the intervertebral space. The cages may be inserted in a first, reduced size and then expanded to a second, larger size once implanted. In their second configuration, the cages are able to maintain the proper disc height and stabilize the spine by restoring sagittal balance and alignment. Additionally, the intervertebral cages are configured to be able to adjust the angle of lordosis, and can accommodate larger lordotic angles in their second, expanded configuration. Further, these cages may promote fusion to further enhance spine stability by immobilizing the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Instruments, kits, and methods are disclosed for installing an implant spacer through an incision and down a surgical corridor. The instruments also serve to align a drill guide and align and insert a spacer stabilizer for stabilization of adjacent bone portions. The instrument comprises an elongated guide bar body, an inserter face at a distal end of said guide bar body for abutting an instrument attachment portion of a spacer, a connection tip portion for securing a spacer against an inserter face, and a guide portion of said elongated guide bar body for aligning instruments with said spacer and for introducing a stabilizer to secure the spacer in a predetermined position between the bone portions. Included is a retractable graft block for securing graft material within an aperture of said spacer during insertion of the spacer.

An implant includes a first body member and a second body member connected by a plurality of bone contacting elements. Some of the bone contacting elements may have a generally helical geometry. Some of the bone contacting elements may have an undulating planar geometry. The bone contacting elements may have a rounded cross-sectional shape or a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

Anchoring devices for rachidian implants, implants, surgical instruments, and surgical systems and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, an anchor comprises a stiff plate with a longitudinal axis, configured for penetration of its anterior end into a vertebral surface while its posterior end remains engaged with the implant. An implant may include a locking mechanism for the anchor. An anchor may include an abutment configured to abut a complementary abutment of an implant. In some configurations, inserting an anchor in a passage of an implant may displace a locking mechanism, which may resile and lock the anchor in the implant with complementary abutments of the anchor and implant abutting.

An implant strip is disclosed. In some cases, the prosthesis can take the form of an implant strip that may be implanted through the use of a surgical procedure that minimizes incision sizes and may be considered less invasive than typical spinal implant procedures. The implant strip includes provisions for implantation, including teeth, spacing provisions, and various shapes.

An intervertebral implant including a non-linear bone contacting outer member having an elongate geometry. The implant further includes a support member having an elongate geometry, wherein the support member is attached to the outer member. In addition, the outer member has a bone contacting outer surface configured to contact a vertebra, wherein the geometry of the outer member provides a first distal surface region, a first proximal surface region, and a second distal surface region, wherein the first distal surface region, the first proximal surface region, and the second distal surface region are all oriented outwardly on a superior side or an inferior side of the implant, wherein the support member attaches to the outer member at a portion of the outer member that includes the first proximal surface region.

A prosthetic implant replaces hyaline cartilage in a synovial joint with a flexible polymer sliding surface, preferably of hydrogel, on a segmented support with an array of adjacent segments to which the hydrogel is molded. Adjacent segments are laterally and angularly displaceable permitting the implant to conform to rounded or irregular surfaces or to be rolled or folded for arthroscopic placement. Tension cables threaded through segments along a circuit can cinch segments together for stiffening the supporting layer and/or the cable can pull the implant against a bone surface. Adjacent segments can have inter-engaged structures. In some embodiments the segments are carried on a flexible foil or fibrous sheet.