Methods and apparatus for providing correction of one or more maladies or conditions of the spinal column of a living being. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an implant delivery instrument and an implant for use therewith. In one variant, the implant delivery instrument includes a non-detachable distraction member for distraction of the disc space and a track for slidable delivery of an implant to the distracted disc space. In another variant, the implant delivery instrument includes a detachable distraction member for distraction of the disc space and a track for slidable delivery of an implant to the distracted disc space. In the latter variant, the distraction member is co-implanted in the disc space with the implant.

A bone fusion device provides stability to bones during a bone fusion period. The bones include, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable tabs attached to the bone fusion device by associated rotating means. The bone fusion device is preferably inserted by using an arthroscopic surgical procedure. During arthroscopic insertion of the device, the tabs are pre-configured for compactness. In this compact configuration, the tabs are preferably deposed along and/or within an exterior surface of the bone fusion device. After the bone fusion device has been positioned between the bones, one or more tab(s) are extended. In the preferred embodiment, the position of each tab is related to a positioning element and extending blocks. Typically, the tabs advantageously position and brace the bone fusion device in the confined space between the bones until the bones have fused.

The methods disclosed herein of generating three-dimensional lattice structures and reducing stress shielding have applications including use in medical implants. One method of generating a three-dimensional lattice structure can be used to generate a structure lattice and/or a lattice scaffold to support bone or tissue growth. One method of reducing stress shielding includes generating a structural lattice to provide sole mechanical spacing across an area for desired bone or tissue growth. Some examples can use a repeating modified rhombic dodecahedron or radial dodeca-rhombus unit cell. Some methods are also capable of providing a lattice structure with anisotropic properties to better suit the lattice for its intended purpose.

An expandable interbody spacer including a first endplate and a second endplate, each with an outwardly facing surface, an inner facing surface, and two opposing isosceles-trapezoidal-shaped sidewalls. A motion assembly is located between the opposing sidewalls of both endplates, including a first motion guider with a smooth central cylindrical aperture, a second motion guider with a threaded central cylindrical aperture, and a screw with a screwhead and a partially threaded shank. The shank of the screw is positioned through the aperture in the first motion guider and into the aperture in the second motion guider. Clockwise rotation of the screwhead increases the height between the endplates by drawing the motion guiders together, while counterclockwise rotation decreases the height by moving them apart. The expandable interbody spacer permits controlled, in situ adjustment of height of the expandable interbody spacer to fit various intervertebral space requirements during spinal fusion procedures.

An intervertebral implant for implantation in an intervertebral space between vertebrae. The implant includes a body extending from an upper surface to a lower surface. The body has a front end, a rear end and a pair of spaced apart first and second side walls extending between the front and rear walls such that an internal chamber is defined within the front and rear ends and the first and second walls. The body defines an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter extending about the internal chamber. At least one of the side walls is defined by an integral porous structure.

An expandable interbody spacer including a first endplate and a second endplate, each with an outwardly facing surface, an inner facing surface, and two opposing isosceles-trapezoidal-shaped sidewalls. A motion assembly is located between the opposing sidewalls of both endplates, including a first motion guider with a smooth central cylindrical aperture, a second motion guider with a threaded central cylindrical aperture, and a screw with a screwhead and a partially threaded shank. The shank of the screw is positioned through the aperture in the first motion guider and into the aperture in the second motion guider. Clockwise rotation of the screwhead increases the height between the endplates by drawing the motion guiders together, while counterclockwise rotation decreases the height by moving them apart. The expandable interbody spacer permits controlled, in situ adjustment of height of the expandable interbody spacer to fit various intervertebral space requirements during spinal fusion procedures.