A spinal implant includes a first member having a wall that defines an axial cavity. A second member extends between a first end and a second end and defines a longitudinal axis. The second member is configured for disposal with the axial cavity and translation relative to the first member. A third member has an outer surface engageable with tissue and an inner surface disposed to dynamically engage the first end in response to the engagement of the outer surface with the tissue. Systems and methods are disclosed.

The present application relates to an artificial joint implant comprising a first element with a socket and a second element with a ball head. The socket is at least hemispherical and said ball head is inserted in said socket such as to form a ball-and-socket connection between said first element and said second element. Movement of said ball head in said socket is restricted in at least one degree of freedom by means of a at least one protrusion engaged in a at least one groove, wherein said at least one protrusion is provided on said socket and said at least one groove is provided on said ball head or vice versa.

This invention is directed to an assembled implant comprising two or more portions of bone that are held together in appropriate juxtaposition with one or more biocompatible pins to form a graft unit. Preferably, the pins are cortical bone pins. Typically, the cortical pins are press-fitted into appropriately sized holes in the bone portions to achieve an interference fit. The bone portions are allograft or xenograft.

A methodology for grafting together adjacent bony structures is provided using an implant device having an endplate with an inner disc portion and outer ring portion spaced from the inner disc portion by a connecting wall disposed there between. An endplate interior surface includes a retaining structure for securing the endplate to one of the bony structures, and endplate an exterior surface has an integrally formed socket. A ball-joint rod has a longitudinally extending body and an end, and at least a portion of the ball-joint rod end is curvilinear in shape. The curvilinear ball-joint rod end is rotatably disposed in the endplate socket to fixedly interconnect the bony structures.

A methodology for grafting together adjacent bony structures is provided using an implant device having an endplate with an inner disc portion and outer ring portion spaced from the inner disc portion by a connecting wall disposed there between. An endplate interior surface includes a retaining structure for securing the endplate to one of the bony structures, and endplate an exterior surface has an integrally formed socket. A ball-joint rod has a longitudinally extending body and an end, and at least a portion of the ball-joint rod end is curvilinear in shape. The curvilinear ball-joint rod end is rotatably disposed in the endplate socket to fixedly interconnect the bony structures.

An interbody implant to be introduced into a variety of target sites for accelerating bone ossification, for example into a space between two adjacent vertebrae. The interbody implant includes a first bone contacting surface, a second bone contacting surface, a body defined between the first and second bone contacting surfaces, and a plurality of resonators. Mechanical waves, e.g., low intensity pulsed ultrasound waves, may be transmitted to the location of the implant, causing the resonators to resonate and accelerate bone ossification.

A tissue scaffold includes a first film having a plurality of cell openings and a second film adjacent the first film and having a plurality of cell openings larger than the cell openings of the first film. The cell openings of the first film interconnect with the cell openings of the second film to define pathways extending through the first and second films.

Devices and methods for altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a prosthesis with surfaces configured to articulate with the facets of the facet joint. A retaining member for anchoring the prosthesis within the facet joint is optionally included. Methods for surgically and less invasively implanting the prosthesis and securing the prosthesis to the articular processes or surrounding soft tissue are also provided.

Devices and methods for altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a prosthesis with surfaces configured to articulate with the facets of the facet joint. A retaining member for anchoring the prosthesis within the facet joint is optionally included. Methods for surgically and less invasively implanting the prosthesis and securing the prosthesis to the articular processes or surrounding soft tissue are also provided.

A spinal implant comprises a first member defining a longitudinal axis and including a wall that defines an axial cavity and at least one lateral opening configured for disposal of an instrument. A second member is configured for disposal with the axial cavity and includes a wall having an axial surface disposed along a thickness thereof. The axial surface defines at least a portion of an axial opening and includes a plurality of gear teeth disposed therealong. The instrument is engageable with the teeth to axially translate the second member relative to the first member. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.