Disclosed are system and methods that use at least one non-threaded anchor and an implant with at least one aperture to join boney structures, where the interaction of the head of the anchor with the implant aperture causes the anchor to move transversely with respect to an initial trajectory. This movement causes compression or distraction of the boney structures which are coupled to the anchors.

An implant (100, 200, 300, 400) includes a base (10), and a sequence of at least two segments including a first segment (12) and a last segment (14). The first segment (12) is pivotally linked to base (10). Adjacent segments are interconnected at pivotal connections (18). A bolt (20) has a threaded shaft (22) and a head (24). The threaded shaft (22) is engaged in a threaded channel (26) of the base (10) so that rotation of the bolt (20) about a central axis of the threaded shaft (22) varies a degree of overlap between the base (10) and the bolt (20). The last segment (14) and the head (24) define therebetween a spherical bearing (28). Rotation of bolt (20) thus varies a distance between spherical hearing (28) and hinge pin (16), thereby causing deflection of the sequence of segments.

A cage holder includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongated body extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The cage holder further includes means for transferring energy centrally from the proximal end to the distal end through the elongated body.

Implants and methods for augmentation of the disc space between two vertebral bodies to treat disease or abnormal pathology conditions in spinal applications. The implant includes a chain of biocompatible material suitable for insertion into a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies in a patient's spinal column, wherein the spinal disc space has a transverse plane. The chain comprises a plurality of adjacent bodies having a height configured to reside within the disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies and a length configured to reside in the disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies when the chain is curved in an orientation substantially along the transverse plane of the spinal disc space.

The invention relates to a device intended to replace or partially replace one or more vertebral bodies or intervertebral discs in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine, and includes methods for its use and deployment. The invention may be used to restore biomechanical parameters correlating with improved patient outcomes and also involves a method for a more effective discectomy or corpectomy prior to graft deployment.

A spacer for separating bones of a joint includes a frame and a carriage. The carriage has ramped surfaces, and is slideably moveable in relation to the frame. A screw support is moveably connected to the frame to form a changeable angular orientation with respect to the frame. An actuating screw is supported by the screw support, and is connected to the carriage to cause the carriage to slideably move in relation to the frame when the actuating screw is rotated. Opposing endplates are configured to engage opposing bone of the joint, and each has ramped surfaces mateable with the ramped surfaces of the carriage. When the carriage is moved by rotation of the actuating screw, the ramped surfaces of the carriage and the endplates slide against each other, causing the endplates to move relatively apart, to increase the height of the spacer.

A method of manufacturing a surgical implant includes simultaneously forming a first component and a second component of the surgical implant. Formation of the first and second components includes depositing a first quantity of material to a building platform and fusing the first quantity of material to form a first layer of the first and second components. The method of manufacturing also includes depositing a second quantity of material over the first layer of the first and second components and fusing the second quantity of material to form a second layer of the first and second components. The surgical implant is fully assembled upon the completion of the formation of the first and second components.

A spinal implant system is provided for bridging an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies bordering the intervertebral space. The spinal implant system includes at least one adjustable end cap and a spinal implant. The end cap can be used with additional end caps and/or the spinal implant. Multiple end caps can be stacked on top of one another, and one end cap can be attached to a first end of the spinal implant, and another end cap can be attached to a second end of the spinal implant. Thus, one or more of the end caps can be attached to either end of the spinal implant.

An interbody fusion cage having upper and lower canals for receiving the heads of bone screws that have been pre-installed in opposing vertebral body endplates. The proximal wall of the cage preferably has a vertical slot that communicates with each canal and is adapted to allow access by a screwdriver and tightening of the screws.

An intervertebral cage structure that comprises a main body having a first surface and a second surface located opposite to the first surface, a first plate disposed on the first surface of the main body, a second plate disposed on the second surface of the main body, and an opening formed at a center portion of the intervertebral cage structure and extending from the first plate to the second plate via the main body, wherein at least one of the first and second plates comprise non-parallel undercut portions.