A method of placing an implant for intervertebral fusion between adjacent vertebral bodies in a patient includes inserting the implant in a space between the adjacent vertebral bodies such that both a first intervertebral spacer body and a second intervertebral spacer body contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies. The first intervertebral spacer body is spaced apart from the second intervertebral spacer body. An expandable container portion of the implant disposed between the first intervertebral spacer body and the second intervertebral spacer body is filled with fill material such that the expandable container expands to contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies.

A spinal implant which is configured to be deployed between adjacent vertebral bodies. The implant has at least one extendable support element with a retracted configuration to facilitate deployment of the implant and an extended configuration so as to expand the implant and effectively distract the disc space, stabilize the motion segments and eliminate pathologic spine motion. The implant has a minimal dimension in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the dimensions of the neuroforamen through which it typically passes to be deployed within the intervertebral space. The implant is provided with a locking system having a plurality of linked locking elements that work in unison to lock the implant in an extended configuration. Bone engaging anchors also may be provided to ensure secure positioning.

An apparatus and method is provided relating to artificial discs. An artificial disc is provided that facilitates simultaneous and independent articulation of flexion/extension, lateral bending, anterior/posterior translation, and axial rotation. The artificial disc provides these four simultaneous and independent articulations by independently addressing each type of articulation in the design of the artificial disc. In one example, an artificial disc is comprised of a bearing disposed between first and second end plates. The bearing is movable relative to each end plate, independent of the other end plate. The end plates are affixed to adjacent vertebrae.

The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.

A device, system, and method for performing a spinal procedure. The device includes first and second shape-memory outer platforms, the outer platforms expanding at a temperature greater than the transformative temperature, a core member having first and second expansion bodies and first and second wedge members, the first expansion body being coupled to the first outer platform and the second expansion body being coupled to the second outer platform, and a screw rotatably disposed within the core member, the screw passing through at least a portion of each of the first and second wedge members. Rotation of the screw causes the first and second wedge members to move toward each other and the first and second expansion bodies to move away from each other. Thus, reaching a transformation temperature and rotating the screw expands the device to come in contact with and anchored against both of the adjacent vertebrae.

Spinal cage devices, systems, and methods of assembly and implanting the devices and systems are disclosed. The cage system includes a cage and at least one locking screw assembly configured to couple to the cage. The spinal cage system includes a cage with a body portion, an external plate, and a rod. The body portion includes at least one opening positioned between the first and second ends, a center opening in the first end, and at least one hole adjacent the center opening. The external plate includes an opening and at least two holes on opposite sides of the opening. The rod extends through the center opening in the cage, the first end configured to couple to the external plate, and the second end positioned in the at least one opening. Methods for assembling a spinal cage system and for implanting a cage system are also disclosed.

A prosthesis assembly is provided that includes a base member that has a helical structure and a cylindrical member opposite the helical structure. The cylindrical member is configured for direct connection with a reverse insert of a reverse shoulder assembly. The cylindrical member is configured for direct connection with a reverse insert spacer in some embodiments. The reverse insert can be inserted into a space defined at least in part by a wall of the cylindrical member and an inferior wall of the of the base member. The helical structure extends between a first end and a second end. The base member also can include one or more pathways. The pathway(s) is accessible from the second end and is directed toward the first end through the helical structure. The pathway is located inward of an outer periphery of the helical structure, e.g., adjacent to an inner periphery of the helical structure. The pathway extends in a space between successive portions of the helical structure. The prosthesis assembly can include a locking device that has a support member and an arm that projects away from the support member. The arm is configured to be disposed in the pathway when the support member is disposed adjacent to the second end of the base member. The arm is disposed through bone in the space between successive portions of the helical structure when the prosthesis assembly is implanted.

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 invention relates to a device intended to replace or partially replace one or more vertebral bodies or intervertebral discs in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine, and includes methods for its use and deployment. The invention may be used to restore biomechanical parameters correlating with improved patient outcomes and also involves a method for a more effective discectomy or corpectomy prior to graft deployment.

A bone structural device including a plurality of bone structural segments (40), wherein adjacent bone structural segments (40) are pivotally connected to one another about a pivot axis, and the bone structural segments (40) are expandable in height, which is in a direction generally parallel to the pivot axis.