The present application generally relates to orthopedic systems, and in particular, to systems including independent plates and spacers. A plating system can include a spacer and a plate that is independent from the spacer. A number of locking mechanisms can be provided to secure the plate to the spacer. In some cases, the spacer includes a pair of notches that extend on an outer surface of the spacer. The plate can include a pair of lateral extensions that can engage the notches to secure the plate to the spacer. In other cases, the spacer includes an opening including a pair of inlets. The plate can include an enclosed posterior extension that can be received in the pair of inlets to secure the plate to the spacer.

Stand-alone interbody fusion devices for engagement between adjacent vertebrae. The stand-alone interbody fusion devices may include a spacer and one or more inserts or members coupled to the spacer. The inserts or members may be configured and designed to provide the apertures which are designed to retain bone fasteners, such as screws, and secure the implant to the adjacent vertebrae.

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.

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 method and system are provided for installing a spinal fusion cage. The spinal fusion cage includes an outer cage having a proximal outer cage endwall and a distal outer cage endwall. An inner cage has a proximal inner cage endwall and a distal inner cage endwall. The proximal and distal inner cage endwalls each are in slidable contact with a corresponding one of the proximal and distal outer cage endwalls. The inner and outer cages collectively define a fusion cage cavity space having a volume which varies responsive to relative sliding of the inner cage with respect to the outer cage. An actuation tool includes a shaft and an operative portion. The operative portion of the actuation tool has an asymmetrically tapered portion which includes a longitudinally aligned face extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and an angled face extending at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis.

An expandable assembly for insertion into an intervertebral space is presented. The assembly, in particular aspects, includes an elongate body comprising an upper portion and a lower portion. The assembly may include an expander that is sized and shaped for insertion between the upper portion and lower portion, thereby selectively expanding the upper portion away from the lower portion. The elongate body may also include one or more bone graft windows.

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.

Intervertebral implants for implanting into an intervertebral space are provided. The implants can comprise one or more layers that are operably attached to one another. An implant can comprise a first layer having a first mating surface that mates with a second mating surface of a second layer. The first mating surface and the second mating surface can have features that allow them to complement each other. The implants can include one or more bore holes for receiving a fixation member. The bore holes can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. In some cases, the bore holes will be blind bore holes.

An endoprosthesis for knee joint arthrodesis having a femur portion including a femur attachment structure; a tibia portion including a tibia attachment structure; a coupling section formed on the femur portion and a coupling section formed on the tibia portion. The coupling sections are pivotably connected to one another about a prosthesis pivot axis that extends in the installed position of the endoprosthesis horizontally from medial to lateral. A locking element is moveable between locking and release positions. In the locking position the locking element rigidly locks the coupling sections in a predefinable pivot position. In the release position the coupling sections are pivotable relative to one another about the prosthesis pivot axis. A retaining and return means and an unlocking mechanism are provided. The retaining means forces the locking element into the locking position. The unlocking mechanism moves the locking element into the release position.

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.