Some embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus that (1) delivers a fusion member between two vertebral bodies after at least a portion of the fibrocartilaginous disc between the vertebral bodies has been removed, and (2) affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes (1) a fusion member that is delivered and positioned between the vertebral bodies, (2) a delivery mechanism that delivers and positions the fusion member between the vertebral bodies, and (3) an anchoring member that affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies.

A build-plate with integrally-formed spinal implant constructs and a method used in forming spinal implant constructs on the build plate and machining the spinal implant constructs formed on the build plate to manufacture spinal implants is provided. The spinal implant constructs can be formed via additive manufacturing processes by adding material to an upper surface of the build plate, and then the spinal implant constructs can be subjected to subtractive manufacturing processes to form the spinal implants.

The invention relates to an implant with a shank which is insertible into a bone cavity, which shank is made of a plastic, in particular of a bioincompatible plastic, and defines at least one bone contact face, wherein the bone contact face is provided or coated with a first biocompatible bone contact layer or bears a biocompatible bone contact layer, wherein the shank of the implant is intended to be anchored in the bone cavity without bone cement and wherein the first bone contact layer is formed entirely closed.

A build-plate with integrally-formed spinal implant constructs and a method used in forming spinal implant constructs on the build plate and machining the spinal implant constructs formed on the build plate to manufacture spinal implants is provided. The spinal implant constructs can be formed via additive manufacturing processes by adding material to an upper surface of the build plate, and then the spinal implant constructs can be subjected to subtractive manufacturing processes to form the spinal implants.

An expandable implant is disclosed having an adjustable height for insertion between two adjacent bony structures or joint surfaces, for example between two adjacent spinal vertebrae. The implant includes at least one gear associated with at least one threaded shaft. Rotation of the gear engages the threaded shaft to expand the implant. The implant can be inserted in a collapsed configuration and expanded in situ. The invention also provides methods for using the implant to facilitate arthrodesis or fusion of adjacent joint surfaces or spinal vertebrae.

The invention relates to an implant with a shank which is insertible into a bone cavity, which shank is made of a plastic, in particular of a bioincompatible plastic, and defines at least one bone contact face, wherein the bone contact face is provided or coated with a first biocompatible bone contact layer or bears a biocompatible bone contact layer, wherein the shank of the implant is intended to be anchored in the bone cavity without bone cement and wherein the first bone contact layer is formed entirely closed.

An expandable implant is disclosed having an adjustable height for insertion between two adjacent bony structures or joint surfaces, for example between two adjacent spinal vertebrae. The implant includes at least one gear associated with at least one threaded shaft. Rotation of the gear engages the threaded shaft to expand the implant. The implant can be inserted in a collapsed configuration and expanded in situ. The invention also provides methods for using the implant to facilitate arthrodesis or fusion of adjacent joint surfaces or spinal vertebrae.

An expandable implant is disclosed having an adjustable height for insertion between two adjacent bony structures or joint surfaces, for example between two adjacent spinal vertebrae. The implant includes at least one gear associated with at least one threaded shaft. Rotation of the gear engages the threaded shaft to expand the implant. The implant can be inserted in a collapsed configuration and expanded in situ. The invention also provides methods for using the implant to facilitate arthrodesis or fusion of adjacent joint surfaces or spinal vertebrae.

An expandable implant is disclosed having an adjustable height for insertion between two adjacent bony structures or joint surfaces, for example between two adjacent spinal vertebrae. The implant includes at least one gear associated with at least one threaded shaft. Rotation of the gear engages the threaded shaft to expand the implant. The implant can be inserted in a collapsed configuration and expanded in situ. The invention also provides methods for using the implant to facilitate arthrodesis or fusion of adjacent joint surfaces or spinal vertebrae.

Some embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus that (1) delivers a fusion member between two vertebral bodies after at least a portion of the fibrocartilaginous disc between the vertebral bodies has been removed, and (2) affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes (1) a fusion member that is delivered and positioned between the vertebral bodies, (2) a delivery mechanism that delivers and positions the fusion member between the vertebral bodies, and (3) an anchoring member that affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies.