The disclosure includes methods and systems for making orthopedic connections where there is unique adjustability to the connection. Illustratively, one embodiment provides a connecting assembly for connecting a plurality of orthopedic components. Such connecting assemblies can include a first orthopedic component that provides a female bore. Additionally the assembly can include a second orthopedic component that can be or include a male-type connecting member that is positionable in the bore of the first orthopedic component. In one preferred form, the male-type connecting member will be a quasi-spherical member. The quasi-spherical member can include a textured outer surface, e.g., for contacting one or more walls or surfaces in the bore in a fashion that removeably locks or helps to removeably lock or fix the quasi-spherical member in the bore.

The present invention relates to an articular joint replacement system. The system has first and second components. Each component has a tapered head piece for covering the end of a bone and for acting as an articular surface, an integrally formed screw stem having a length sufficient to extend into the medullary canal, and inwardly angled bone grips affixed to the underside of the head piece to allow solid fixation to the bone by compression press fit. The head piece of the first component is provided with a shaped exterior surface which complements the shaped exterior surface of the head piece of the second component and which allows motion in three planes.

The present invention relates to an articular joint replacement system. The system has first and second components. Each component has a tapered head piece for covering the end of a bone and for acting as an articular surface, an integrally formed screw stem having a length sufficient to extend into the medullary canal, and inwardly angled bone grips affixed to the underside of the head piece to allow solid fixation to the bone by compression press fit. The head piece of the first component is provided with a shaped exterior surface which complements the shaped exterior surface of the head piece of the second component and which allows motion in three planes.

A separate nub component between the plate and an intervertebral fusion cage, wherein the nub is attached to the plate. The nub lessens the undesired pivotal movement of the plate. It is believed that when the nub fits snugly between the endplates of the adjacent vertebral bodies, it acts as a stop against the undesired pivotal movement of the plate.

A variable height intervertebral spine implant is adjustable in situ having first and second trapezoidal components oriented such that the short surfaces/sides of their parallel surfaces/sides are adjacent, forming a first wedge-shaped pocket between opposing first skew surfaces/sides of the first and second components on a first end, and a second wedge-shaped pocket between opposing second skew surfaces/sides of the first and second components on a second end. First and second lateral flanges of both the first and second components cooperate to connect the first and second components together, and to allow height adjustment between the first and second components. A first wedge situated in the first pocket and a second wedge situated in the second pocket are connected via a drive mechanism that effects concerted movement thereof whereby contraction increases implant height while expansion decreases implant height. The wedges ride against the skew sides of the components.

A spinal implant system is provided for bridging an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies bordering the intervertebral space. The spinal implant system includes at least one adjustable end cap and a spinal implant. The end cap can be used with additional end caps and/or the spinal implant. Multiple end caps can be stacked on top of one another, and one end cap can be attached to a first end of the spinal implant, and another end cap 10 can be attached to a second end of the spinal implant. Thus, one or more of the end caps can be attached to either end of the spinal implant.

Disclosed are devices for the fixation and support of vertebrae, particularly spinal implant devices having adjustability.

A surgical procedure method includes accessing an implanted joint prosthesis having an implant engaged within a bone of the joint and a first articulating component mounted by a first mating component to a first insert component removably mounted to the implant, and partially disassembling the accessed implanted joint prosthesis by removing the first insert component with the first articulating component fixed thereto from the implant while the implant is engaged with the bone. The angular position of the first mating component with respect to the first insert component is then determined and replicated with a second insert component and a second mating component. The second insert component and the second mating component are then fixed at the replicated angle and the fixed second insert component and second mating component are mounted to the implant engaged within the bone. A new articulating component is then mounted to the second mating component.

The disclosure includes methods and systems for making orthopedic connections where there is unique adjustability to the connection. Illustratively, one embodiment provides a connecting assembly for connecting a plurality of orthopedic components. Such connecting assemblies can include a first orthopedic component that provides a female bore. Additionally, the assembly can include a second orthopedic component that can be or include a male-type connecting member that is positionable in the bore of the first orthopedic component. In one preferred form, the male-type connecting member will be a quasi-spherical member. The quasi-spherical member can include a textured outer surface, e.g., for contacting one or more walls or surfaces in the bore in a fashion that removably locks or helps to removably lock or fix the quasi-spherical member in the bore.

The present invention relates to an articular joint replacement system. The system has first and second components. Each component has a tapered head piece for covering the end of a bone and for acting as an articular surface, an integrally formed screw stem having a length sufficient to extend into the medullary canal, and inwardly angled bone grips affixed to the underside of the head piece to allow solid fixation to the bone by compression press fit. The head piece of the first component is provided with a shaped exterior surface which complements the shaped exterior surface of the head piece of the second component and which allows motion in three planes.