An expandable implant system is configured to increase the height of a target bone, for instance that has been subjected to a compression fracture. The expandable implant system includes an implant assembly that can be inserted into the target bone, and subsequently expanded so as to increase the height of the target bone. The expandable implant system further includes an and insertion assembly that is configured to create an insertion channel into the target bone, such that the implant assembly can be inserted in a collapsed configuration into the target bone along the insertion channel, and subsequently expanded.

Embodiments of architecture, systems, and methods to develop a learning/evolving system to robotically perform and model one or more activities of a medical procedure where the medical procedure may include diagnosing a patient's medical condition(s), treating medical condition(s), and robotically diagnosing a patient's medical condition(s) and performing one or more medical procedure activities based on the diagnosis without User intervention where the activities may be performed in computer-based environment formed by the learning/evolving system, live, or a combination thereof.

A method for implanting an intrafacet implant includes making an incision, advancing an instrument assembly through the incision and to a facet joint. The instrument assembly includes a guide having a lumen extending therethrough. The method includes anchoring the guide at the facet joint, advancing an intrafacet implant to the facet joint through the guide using an inserter, and countersinking the intrafacet implant within the facet joint using the inserter.

A multi-member prosthesis including first and second elongated members and a central member, said multi-member prosthesis adapted to be advanced into a pilot SI joint opening in said dysfunctional SI joint via a posterior approach, the pilot SI joint opening comprising a sacrum opening and an ilium opening and a sacrum opening. The first elongated member adapted to be press-fit into the sacrum opening and the second elongated member adapted to be press-fit into the ilium opening. The central member including first and second elongated member securing means adapted to secure the first and second elongated members thereto.

A system and method for providing a surgical instrument having a shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, and a central lumen extending therethrough; and a tapered head at the distal end. The tapered head has a plurality of longitudinal channels, a plurality of threaded sections, and a plurality of lateral lumens. The plurality of longitudinal channels may form a plurality of flutes configured to cut bone, tissue, or both.

A method and system for determining an extent of matter removed from a targeted anatomical structure are disclosed. The method includes acquiring an initial representation of a targeted anatomical structure and then removing matter from the targeted anatomical structure. An instrument is then navigated within the targeted anatomical structure. The instrument includes a tracking array, and a relative position of the instrument within the targeted anatomical structure is determined by the tracking array. The method includes recording the relative position of the instrument within the targeted anatomical structure to determine a final representation of the targeted anatomical structure. Finally, the method includes determining an extent of matter removed from the targeted anatomical structure by comparing the initial representation of the targeted anatomical structure with the final representation of the targeted anatomical structure. Indicators are provided to convey the extent of matter remaining within the targeted anatomical structure.

A virtual surgical cutting guide may have first and second slots defining first and second axes respectively. The virtual surgical cutting guide may be positioned away from a vertebral body such that the first and second axes intersect at a distal point located in an interior of the vertebral body. The virtual surgical cutting guide may include the virtual surgical cutting guide with first and second cutting instruments. A method of performing a pedicle subtraction osteotomy may include the steps of placing the virtual surgical cutting guide over the first and second cutting instruments.

A medical robot system, including a robot coupled to an effectuator element with the robot configured for controlled movement and positioning. The system may include a transmitter configured to emit one or more signals, and the transmitter is coupled to an instrument coupled to the effectuator element. The system may further include a motor assembly coupled to the robot and a plurality of receivers configured to receive the one or more signals emitted by the transmitter. A control unit is coupled to the motor assembly and the plurality of receivers, and the control unit is configured to supply one or more instruction signals to the motor assembly. The instruction signals can be configured to cause the motor assembly to selectively move the effectuator element.

An apparatus for inserting implants in a bone comprising a frame having a cartridge receiving chamber and a barrel. A cartridge defining a plurality of chambers is positioned in the cartridge receiving chamber so the chambers are selectively alignable with a longitudinal passage of the barrel. At least one instrument is positioned in one of the chambers, and a plurality of implants is positioned in the other chambers. A drive assembly is engageable with the instrument and the implants. The drive assembly is slidably and rotatably disposed in the frame and is moveable between a retracted position, an engaging position wherein the distal end of the drive assembly is positioned to engage the selected one of the instrument and the implants, and an extended position wherein the drive assembly extends through the chamber to transport the selected one of the instrument or the implant from the chamber to the distal end of the barrel.

A method of inserting an intervertebral disc implant into a disc space includes accessing a spinal segment having a first vertebral body, a second vertebral body and a disc space between the first and second vertebral bodies. The method includes securing a first pin to the first vertebral body and a second pin to the second vertebral body, using the first and second pins for distracting the disc space, and providing an inserter holding the intervertebral disc implant. The method also desirably includes engaging the inserter with the first and second pins, and advancing the inserter toward the disc space for inserting the intervertebral disc implant into the disc space, whereby the first and second pins align and guide the inserter toward the disc space.