A spinal implant has proximal and distal regions, and includes upper and lower bodies. A proximal adjustment assembly is disposed between the upper and lower bodies in the proximal region of the spinal implant and is adjustably coupled to the upper and lower bodies, and a distal adjustment assembly is disposed between the upper and lower bodies in the distal region of the spinal implant and is adjustably coupled to the upper and lower bodies. The proximal and distal adjustment assemblies are independently movable with respect to each other, both concurrently and alternately, to change a vertical height of at least one of the proximal or distal regions of the spinal implant. A set screw is removably disposed within the proximal region of the spinal implant to lock the vertical height of the proximal and distal regions of the spinal implant.

An apparatus and method for joining members together using a self-drilling screw apparatus or stapling apparatus are disclosed. The screw apparatus includes a worm drive screw, a spur gear and superior and inferior screws which turn simultaneously in a bi-directional manner. A rotating mechanism drives the first and second screw members in opposite directions and causes the screw members to embed themselves in the members to be joined. The screw apparatus can be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, vertebral bodies, wood, building materials, metals, masonry, or plastics. A device employing two screws (two-in-one) can be combined with a capping horizontal mini-plate. A device employing three screws can be combined in enclosures (three-in-one). The stapling apparatus includes grip handles, transmission linkages, a drive rod a fulcrum and a cylinder. The staple has superior and inferior segments with serrated interfaces, a teethed unidirectional locking mechanism and four facet piercing elements. The staples can be also be used to join members such as bones, portions of the spinal column, or vertebral bodies.

An implant is disclosed. The implant has a base including an extension arm cavity and a ratchet block cavity that intersects the extension arm cavity, an extension arm that is movably disposed in the extension arm cavity, and a ratchet block that is movably disposed between a first position and a second position in the ratchet block cavity. The ratchet block when disposed in the first position allows movement of the extension arm in an upward direction out of the extension arm cavity and blocks movement of the extension arm in a downward direction into the extension arm cavity. The ratchet block when disposed in the second position allows movement of the extension arm both in the upward direction out of the extension arm cavity and the downward direction into the extension arm cavity.

The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, gear member and a locking assembly positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.

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.

According to some embodiments, a method of inserting a lateral implant within an intervertebral space defined between an upper vertebral member and a lower vertebral member includes creating a lateral passage through a subject in order to provide minimally invasive access to the intervertebral space, at least partially clearing out native tissue of the subject within and/or near the intervertebral space, positioning a base plate within the intervertebral space, wherein the base plate comprise an upper base plate and a lower base plate and advancing an implant between the upper base plate and the lower base plate so that the implant is urged into the intervertebral space and the upper vertebral member is distracted relative to the lower vertebral member.

An implant is disclosed. The implant has a base including an extension arm cavity and a ratchet block cavity that intersects the extension arm cavity, an extension arm that is movably disposed in the extension arm cavity, and a ratchet block that is movably disposed between a first position and a second position in the ratchet block cavity. The ratchet block when disposed in the first position allows movement of the extension arm in an upward direction out of the extension arm cavity and blocks movement of the extension arm in a downward direction into the extension arm cavity. The ratchet block when disposed in the second position allows movement of the extension arm both in the upward direction out of the extension arm cavity and the downward direction into the extension arm cavity.

A spinal joint distraction system for treating a facet joint including articular surfaces having a contour is disclosed and may include a delivery device including a generally tubular structure adapted to engage a facet joint, an implant adapted to be delivered through the delivery device and into the facet joint, the implant comprising two members arranged in opposed position, and an implant distractor comprising a generally elongate member adapted to advance between the two members of the implant causing separation of the members and distraction of the facet joint, wherein the implant is adapted to conform to the shape of the implant distractor and/or the articular surfaces of the facet upon being delivered to the facet joint. Several embodiments of a system, several embodiments of an implant, and several methods are disclosed including a method for interbody fusion.

A spinal joint distraction system for treating a facet joint including articular surfaces having a contour is disclosed and may include a delivery device including a generally tubular structure adapted to engage a facet joint, an implant adapted to be delivered through the delivery device and into the facet joint, the implant comprising two members arranged in opposed position, and an implant distractor comprising a generally elongate member adapted to advance between the two members of the implant causing separation of the members and distraction of the facet joint, wherein the implant is adapted to conform to the shape of the implant distractor and/or the articular surfaces of the facet upon being delivered to the facet joint. Several embodiments of a system, several embodiments of an implant, and several methods are disclosed including a method for interbody fusion.

Systems, methods and devices for spinal fusion are disclosed. In particular, certain disclosed embodiments are configured to permit the addition of lordosis to a spinal fusion cage after implantation through the use of various expansion mechanisms to spread arms of the spinal fusion cage. Disclosed embodiments may include the use of a threaded wedge to expand the arms, the use of a keel within a series of detents, the use of supplemental fixation screws, and the use of a rotating cam.