The present disclosure includes devices, apparatuses, kits, and methods for replacing a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc with an implantable nuclear prosthesis filled with a curable silicone material in situ. Configurations of the present spinal implant devices include a flexible body defining an outer fillable enclosure that defines an outer chamber, an inner fillable enclosure that defines an inner chamber, and a proximal plug configured to be coupled to the inner fillable enclosure.

Expandable intervertebral spacer system having a top plate and a bottom plate which are separated and held apart a changeable distance forming a cage. The plates are held apart by four locking mechanisms in the cage at or near the corners or the periphery of the plates, leaving the cavity of the cage substantially unobstructed. Each locking mechanism is made of two saw-toothed posts that cooperate to lock the top plate a desired distance from the bottom plate. The saw-tooth posts are biased against each other with a spring. Once the spacer is implanted in a patient with a removable insertion tool, the top and bottom plates are forced apart incrementally, one saw tooth at a time, in a ratchet-like motion, using a removable expansion mechanism. Optionally, each stanchion is surrounded by a sheath to prevent bone particles and other debris from interfering with the mating of the saw teeth.

An expandable, intervertebral spacer includes a top component and a base component in engagement with the top component, the base component defining at least one channel for receiving a hardening material, and placement of the hardening material within the channel causes the top component to move between a first position in which the top component is a first distance from the base component and a second position in which the top component is a second distance from the base component, the second distance being greater than the first distance. The hardening material can be removed from the channel by a flexible coring tool, and the top component forced toward the base component to collapse the spacer.

A prosthetic stem is configured to reduce the perioperative and intraoperative risk of catastrophic medical complications and death that may be caused by BCIS. The prosthetic stem includes one or more internal channels that are configured to self-regulate intramedullary pressure within a prepared bone channel as the stem is inserted into the channel, thus reducing the likelihood of BCIS without sacrificing biomechanics and maintaining a reliable and repeatable implantation process. The stem includes a head and a body, wherein the head is configured to serve as a joint replacement and the body is configured for insertion into the prepared bone channel of a patient. One or more internal channels in the stem are configured to control the pressure within the prepared bone channel during insertion of the stem into the channel, particularly by forming a path through which excess cement may flow as the stem proceeds into the prepared bone channel. By so limiting pressurization of cement during this process, the risk of BCIS complications and other potential harmful effects are reduced while still maintaining sufficient fixation of the prosthetic stem in the prepared bone channel.

Disclosed is a wedge for use during a reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The wedge can comprise a body having a proximal surface and a distal surface. The proximal surface and the distal surface can each extend from a distal end of the body to a proximal end of the body. The distal end can have a distal length and the proximal end can have a proximal length. The distal length can be shorter than the proximal length. The proximal surface can have a proximal curvature and the distal surface can have a distal curvature. The proximal curvature or the distal curvature can approximate a curvature of a deltoid muscle.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for treatment of the spine. Preferred embodiments utilize a tool system to remove tissue from the intervertebral space, a system for delivery of inflatable membranes or balloons into the intervertebral space and a fluid management system to provide for controlled delivery of fluids into the balloons. A visualization system can also be used to observe tissue removal and balloon placement.

A tunable implant, system, and method enables a tunable implant to be adjusted within a patient. The tunable implant includes a securing mechanism to secure the implant in the patient, a actuation portion that enables the implant to move and an adjustment portion that permits adjustment of the implant after the implant has been positioned within the patient. The method of adjusting the tunable implant includes analyzing the operation of the implant, determining if any adjustments are necessary and adjusting the implant to improve implant performance. The implant system includes both the tunable implant and a telemetric system that is operable to telemetrically receive data from the tunable implant where the data is used to determine if adjustment of the tunable implant is necessary. The system also includes an instrument assembly that is used for performing spinal surgery where the instrument assembly includes a mounting platform and a jig.

The present invention includes a fluid interface system for use in medical implants. The fluid interface system of the present invention can include one or more fluid interface channels disposed within an implant. The fluid interface systems can optionally include fluid redirection channels, fluid interface ports and a corresponding instrument to transfer fluid in or out of the fluid interface ports.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for relieving upper airway obstructive breathing in a patient are disclosed. In some implementations, the apparatus comprises first and second pivot devices anchored to a mastoid bone and a mandible bone, respectively; an implant positioned between the first and second pivot device, the implant comprising a first end coupled to the first pivot device and a second end coupled to the second pivot device; an inactive position, the inactive position enabling a posterior displacement of the second end relative to the first end; an active position, the active position preventing posterior displacement of the second end relative to the first end, and anteriorly positioning the second end relative to the first end; and an activation mechanism enabling transition between the inactive position and the active position, and vice versa.

A tunable implant, system, and method enables a tunable implant to be adjusted within a patient. The tunable implant includes a securing mechanism to secure the implant in the patient, a actuation portion that enables the implant to move and an adjustment portion that permits adjustment of the implant after the implant has been positioned within the patient. The method of adjusting the tunable implant includes analyzing the operation of the implant, determining if any adjustments are necessary and adjusting the implant to improve implant performance. The implant system includes both the tunable implant and a telemetric system that is operable to telemetrically receive data from the tunable implant where the data is used to determine if adjustment of the tunable implant is necessary. The system also includes an instrument assembly that is used for performing spinal surgery where the instrument assembly includes a mounting platform and a jig.