An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis may include a pedicle fixation element; a laminar fixation element; and a facet joint bearing surface having a location adaptable with respect at least one of the pedicle fixation element and the laminar fixation element. Methods of implanting an adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis may include determining a desired position for a facet joint bearing surface; and attaching a prosthesis comprising a facet joint bearing surface to a pedicle portion of a vertebra and a lamina portion of a vertebra to place the facet joint bearing surface in the desired position. A facet joint prosthesis implant tool may include a tool guide adapted to guide a vertebra cutting tool; and first and second fixation hole alignment elements extending from the saw guide. Systems for treating spinal pathologies may include intervertebral discs in combination with spinal and facet joint prostheses.

Devices and related methods for the dynamic correction of spinal deformities are disclosed. The devices and methods are particularly useful for correcting an abnormal curvature of the spine. In one exemplary embodiment, a method for correcting deformity via a spinal implant that can include a polymer between or attached to a top and bottom plate, which can exist in a wedge-shaped configuration in order to apply asymmetric forces to the spinal column, is provided. The implant may be inserted between adjacent vertebrae comprising part of the abnormal curvature, thereby restoring the normal curvature of a spine.

An expandable housing for an interbody fusion system has movable tapered external helical threaded members that travel along tracking to operably engage against the top and bottom shell members, urging them apart to cause expansion in the height of the housing. In an embodiment, the tapered members are disposed in a dual arrangement such that independent engagement of the tapered members along lateral portions of the top and bottom shells cause an angular tilt to the exterior surface of the housing when the tapered members are moved to different degrees. This function permits adjustment in the angular relationship between adjacent vertebrae and assists the lordotic adjustment of the patient's spine. When the functions of the device are used in combination by the surgeon, the device provides an effective tool for in situ adjustment when performing lateral lumbar interbody fusion.

An intervertebral implant may include a superior exterior surface, an inferior exterior surface, a first exterior lateral surface, and a second exterior lateral surface. The first and second exterior lateral surfaces may be substantially transverse to the superior and inferior exterior surfaces. The implant may further include a first curved end wall at a first longitudinal extremity of the body. The first curved end wall may include a bore configured to receive a first shaft of a tool. Additionally, the implant may include a second curved end wall at a second longitudinal extremity of the body and an elongated slot extending from a portion of the first curved end wall to a portion of the first exterior lateral surface.

An interbody at least one surface including a plurality of members that are independently configured and dimensioned to move from a first position to a second position is disclosed.

An arthroplasty trial assembly for a human shoulder can include a first implant securable to a first bone and a second implant securable to a second bone. The second implant can include a body, a stem, an articulation component, and a sensor. The stem can extend from the body, and the stem can be insertable into the second bone. The articulation component can be coupled to the body opposite the stem, and the articulation component can be articulable with the first implant. The sensor can be connected to the articulation component and can be configured to monitor a condition of the second implant and can produce a sensor signal as a function of the condition that is indicative of stability of the shoulder.

The invention describes an artificial knee joint, which includes a femoral condyle prosthesis and a tibial plateau prosthesis, and said tibial plateau prosthesis includes a medial tibial plateau prosthesis and a lateral tibial plateau prosthesis respectively disposed at both sides of the tibial plateau intercondylar eminence. The artificial knee joint further includes a locating pin for fixing the tibial plateau prosthesis. The bottom surface of said tibial plateau prosthesis is provided with a prosthetic notch, and the tibia below said tibial plateau prosthesis is provided with a tibial notch. Said prosthetic notch corresponds to said tibial notch, together forming a limiting hole for accommodating the locating pin. The cooperation between the locating pin and the limiting hole can ensure relative position stability and balance between the medial tibial plateau prosthesis and the lateral tibial plateau prosthesis.

A semi-condylar artificial knee joint includes a femoral prosthesis and a tibial prosthesis, and the cross-section of said tibial prosthesis is of a kidney-like type. The tibial prosthesis is disposed at one side of the tibial plateau intercondylar eminence and is located below the femoral prosthesis. The artificial knee joint further includes a locating pin for fixing the tibial prosthesis. The bottom surface of said tibial prosthesis is provided with a prosthetic notch, and below said tibial prosthesis is provided with a tibial notch. Said prosthetic notch corresponds to said tibial notch, and together forming a limiting hole for accommodating the locating pin. The cooperation between the locating pin and the limiting hole can ensure relative position stability and balance between the tibial prosthesis and the tibial plateau intercondylar eminence.

An improved flexible component used for dynamic stabilization of spinal segments for the treatment of vertebrae deformities and injuries and for the replacement of a complete or segment of the body of a vertebra in the spine is described. The flexible component is comprised of a suitable implant material with a longitudinal bore the entire length and an appropriately formed slots that extend spirally around the flexible spinal element either continuously or segmentally. The flexible component can be encapsulated, fully or partially, in a suitable implant grade elastomeric resilient material. When used for a dynamic stabilization device, the element is attached to the vertebral bodies by pedicle screws know to those in the art.

A process for introducing a stabilizing element into a vertebral column, in which the stabilizing element is introduced in such a manner that the stabilizing element connects two adjacent vertebral bodies to one another.