An approach is provided for a three-dimensional (3D) printing method for forming a 3D object. The approach provides for printing a structure of the 3D object by depositing a thermoplastic material, in which the thermoplastic material is radiolucent. The approach provides for printing one or more radio-opaque markers by depositing another material, which includes at least a radio-opaque material. The approach integrates the one or more radio-opaque markers with the structure of the 3D object.

Devices and methods for treating one or more damaged, diseased, or traumatized portions of the spine, including intervertebral discs, to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. In one or more embodiments, the present invention relates to an expandable interbody spacer. The expandable interbody spacer may comprise a first jointed arm comprising a plurality of links pivotally coupled end to end. The expandable interbody spacer further may comprise a second jointed arm comprising a plurality of links pivotally coupled end to end. The first jointed arm and the second jointed arm may be interconnected at a proximal end of the expandable interbody spacer. The first jointed arm and the second jointed arm may be interconnected at a distal end of the expandable interbody spacer.

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for intervertebral body fusion that provide more robust support within the disc space. Intervertebral body fusion devices can have a unitary monolithic body including a plurality of body segments interconnected with each other by flexure members. Devices can be configured to be inserted through an opening in a compressed configuration and then expanded within the disc space to an expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, devices can have a greater mediolateral or transverse to the disc space footprint. This wider footprint provides greater support for the vertebrae relative to the size of the opening through which the device is inserted. Insertion devices for inserting, expanding and extracting such implants are also disclosed.

An interbody implant comprises one or more elongate members that have superior and inferior surfaces with a height, and medial and lateral surfaces having a width. The height is set so the implant fits into the intervertebral space. The width is less than the height. The interbody implant has a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration. The interbody implant is inserted into the intervertebral space in the first configuration such that medial and lateral surfaces contact the vertebral bodies, and the interbody implant is then actuated into the second configuration such that superior and inferior surfaces engage the vertebral bodies. Actuation of the implant from the first configuration to the second configuration distracts the vertebral bodies. The implant is actuated into the third configuration where the width of the implant is greater than width of the implant in the first or the second configuration.

An implant including first and second end plates, each of which defines at least one anterior ramped surface and at least one posterior ramped surface. A posterior actuator is positioned between the first and second end plates and has guiding ramp surfaces which correspond with the posterior ramped surfaces. An anterior actuator is positioned between the first and second end plates and guiding ramp surfaces which correspond with the anterior ramped surfaces. An actuator assembly extends between the posterior actuator and the anterior actuator and is configured to selectively move the posterior actuator and the anterior actuator simultaneously, move posterior actuator independently of the anterior actuator, or move the anterior actuator independently of the posterior actuator.

A spinal implant formed from a hinged distractor having an upper and lower support body that is hinged by use of pinions. An insert body is constructed and arranged to slide between the section to expand the height and to maintain a space therebetween. The insert body may include a leading edge that is tapered to allow ease of insertion. A trailing edge of the insert body includes a pin to allow ease of insertion along a curvature path.

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. The fusion device described herein is capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space at a minimum to no distraction height and for a fusion device capable of maintaining a normal distance between adjacent vertebral bodies when implanted.

A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Disclosed is an angle-expandable spinal cage including an upper plate and a lower plate disposed to face each other, a frame disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate, the frame having a space formed therein, a block disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate and disposed in front of the frame, and a driving bolt having one end thereof connected to the frame and a remaining end thereof connected to the block. The angle-expandable spinal cage is implanted into an affected area while occupying the minimum angle thereof and to be expanded between vertebral bodies.

Medical devices in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention employ one or more coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms. In various embodiments, coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms include a post with a threaded exterior surface and a corresponding sleeve configured to surround the post, the corresponding sleeve having a threaded interior surface configured to interface with the threaded exterior surface of the post and a geared exterior surface. A drive mechanism can be configured to interface with the geared exterior surface of the sleeve, causing the device to expand.