An expandable implant system is disclosed in which the system comprises an implant with: (1) top and bottom plates, (2) ramp surfaces formed on inner surfaces of the plates, and (3) an expansion member situated between the plates. An actuator also forms part of the system, the actuator being removable from between the top and bottom plates after implantation of the implant. The expansion member has a set of angled surfaces for mating with the ramp surfaces of the plates and, upon movement of the expansion member along a longitudinal axis of the implant, the top and bottom plates expand from a first dimension to a second greater dimension. The top and bottom plates are also securable at varying angles to one another depending on the amount of movement of the expansion member along the ramp surfaces.

A stabilization device is provided including an axle and a portion that can be affixed to a bone. The device is used to stabilize a joint while allowing motion of the joint along its natural trajectory and it is placed internally in order to prevent pin tract problems. Additionally, methods for using the device are provided that include, in various sequences, inserting the axle into a bone of a joint, adjusting the geometry of the device and attaching the fixable portion to another bone of the joint. The device can be provided as part of a system including an axis trajectory guide useful for locating the axis of rotation of the joint prior to insertion, adjustment and attachment of the device.

An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface, a proximal end and a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said surface and define a geometry of an expanded spacer. Preferably the spacer is adapted to be inserted between two spinal vertebrae of a human.

The present disclosure describes an intervertebral implant having a laterovertically-expanding shell operable for a reversible expansion from a collapsed state into an expanded state, the laterovertically-expanding shell having one or more connectors, and a pair of lateral extension elements that function to laterally expand the footprint of the implant within an intervertebal disc space.

This invention improves upon prior art total disc replacements (TDRs) by more closely replicating the kinematics of a natural disc. The preferred embodiments feature two or more fixed centers of rotation (CORs) and an optional variable COR (VCOR) as the artificial disk replacement (ADR) translates from a fixed posterior COR that lies posterior to the COR of the TDR to facilitate normal disc motion. The use of two or more CORs allows more flexion and more extension than permitted by the facet joints and the artificial facet (AF). AF joint-like components may also be incorporated into the design to restrict excessive translation, rotation, and/or lateral bending.

Provided is a spinal implant. The spinal implant include an implant unit disposed between a vertebra (hereinafter, referred to as a first vertebra) and a neighboring vertebra (hereinafter, referred to as a second vertebra) and a buffer unit provided in the implant unit to disperse or absorb a pressure, an impact, or a load, which is applied from the first vertebra and the second vertebra. The spinal implant may promote bone fusion formation in the state of being inserted between the vertebra and the neighboring vertebra during the surgery and to promote the quickly recovery after the surgery and also may fulfill its role as a substitute for a damaged disk through the shape deformation and the restoration of the buffer unit after the surgical procedure.

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.

A geared cam expandable spinal implant. Rotational motion of a rotating portion is translated into linear motion of a yoke, which moves geared cams at the distal end of the implant to mate with, and walk along, teeth of corresponding racks. The walking of the gear cam teeth along the rack teeth creates a regular rate of implant expansion, reduces initial excessive expansion force applied to the implant, and provides fine adjustment of the expansion rate and force. Spikes, pivotally mounted on the yoke, pivot outward as the implant expands, to a fully-deployed position into engagement with surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies. The engagement between the deployed spikes and the vertebral bodies prevents inadvertent backout of the expanded implant.

An implant may include a body having a first portion and a second portion and a structural member having a central member curve. In addition, the structural member may be exposed on an outer surface of the implant. Further, the central member curve may include a winding segment, and the winding segment of the central member curve may wind around a fixed path extending from the first portion of the body to the second portion of the body. Also, the central member curve may make one or more full turns around the fixed path. And, the structural member may have a member diameter at the winding segment, wherein the winding segment has a winding diameter corresponding with the full turn around the fixed path and the member diameter is greater than the winding diameter.

A system and methods for a safe and efficient distributing of bone graft material into an intervertebral disc space are provided. Systems are provided for receiving, removing, and replacing of preloaded load cartridges in a rapid and repeating manner. The systems can also be designed for rapidly delivering the biologics from a single load cartridge and, to even further facilitate a rapid and repeating delivery of biologics, the load cartridge and cartridge tamp can be adapted so that the cartridge tamp can capture and remove the load cartridge after delivery of fusion promoting material in the load cartridge.