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.

An implant for restoring height of a vertebral body. The implant includes upper and lower plates configured to be moved away from one another in the craniocaudal direction. A first support and a second support are arranged to crisscross in a proximal-to-distal direction to facilitate increased expansion of the implant, and a third support and a fourth support may be arranged to crisscross in the proximal-to-distal direction. Certain supports may be laterally spaced from one another to define a void space for receiving a retaining element. An upper support fork may include a first pair of supports arranged in a V-shaped configuration and converge at an apex that is coupled to an underside of the upper plate. A lower support fork may include a second pair of supports arranged in a V-shaped configuration and converge at another apex that is coupled to an upper side of the lower plate.

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.

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.

A placeholder for vertebrae or vertebral discs includes a tubular body, which along its jacket surface has a plurality of breakthroughs or openings for over-growth with adjacent tissue. The placeholder includes at least a second tubular body provided with a plurality of breakthroughs and openings at least partially inside the first tubular body. The first and second tubular bodies can have different cross-sectional shapes, can be are arranged inside one another by press fit or force fit or can be connected to each other via connecting pins and arranged side by side to one another in the first body.

An expandable augment system is provided for use with an acetabular cup. The expandable augment system can include an expandable augment module that is adjustable in size and that can be adjusted incrementally between a fully collapsed state and an expanded state. A first portion of the expandable augment module is attachable to an outer surface of an acetabular cup and a second portion of the expandable augment module is attachable to bone or to a fixed augment module (e.g., a fixed angle augment module) that is attached to bone and interposed between the adjustable augment module and bone.

A placeholder for vertebrae or vertebral discs includes a tubular body, which along its jacket surface has a plurality of breakthroughs or openings for over-growth with adjacent tissue. The placeholder includes at least a second tubular body provided with a plurality of breakthroughs and openings at least partially inside the first tubular body. The first and second tubular bodies can have different cross-sectional shapes, can be are arranged inside one another by press fit or force fit or can be connected to each other via connecting pins and arranged side by side to one another in the first body.

Implantable medical devices suitable for implantation in spaces between bones, such as in the spaces between vertebrae in a vertebral column of an animal, are described. An implantable medical device comprises a laminate structure in which a cover conforms to and is attached to a main body. The implantable medical device is suitable for implantation in spaces between bones, such as in the spaces between vertebrae in a vertebral column of an animal.

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.

Systems and tools for inserting and securing an implant within the intervertebral space. An intervertebral disc implant with upper and lower bearing members with an articulation interface between the members for providing relative motion therebetween. The implant may be provided with various securing members for fixing the implant within the intervertebral space. A tool may be used to insert the implant, which includes a plurality of shiftable implant engaging members that are shiftable between non-engaging and engaging configurations to alternatively release or hold the implant.