Warsaw Orthopedic, Inc.

Smith + Nephew

Medtronic Xomed, Inc.

Warsaw Othopedic, Inc.

Tom J Francis

Jason Eckhardt

Randall N Allard

Thomas Andrew Carls

Hai H Trieu

Eric Christian Lange

Steven D DeRidder

Robert S Biscup

Sachin P Budhabhatti

Clayton G Leroux

Robert B Rice

Ravi Bagathur Ramasamy

Todd C Bonvallet

Kevin Thomas Foley

Greg C Marik

Dana A Oliver

Kenneth M Adams

Christopher Ray Cyko

William J Albans

Embodiments of the invention include a cutting block and methods for guiding the cutting of a tibia and a femur in preparation for one or more knee arthroplasty implants. Some embodiments include configurations and methods that enable a common cutting block positioned medially, laterally, or centrally relative to a tibia, and to be positioned relative to a femur on either of a patient's left leg or right leg.

Femoral and tibial cutting blocks

Embodiments of the invention include instruments and methods for preparing a femur to receive a femoral component of a knee arthroplasty system, with some embodiments configured to enable anterior referencing techniques, posterior referencing techniques, and to facilitate intraoperative switching between anterior and posterior referencing techniques. Other embodiments of the invention include cutting blocks and methods for preparing a femur to receive a knee arthroplasty system femoral component, with some embodiments including cutting blocks that can be used in both an anterior referencing technique and a posterior referencing technique, thereby reducing the number of cutting blocks required to provide an instrument set capable of implanting all available sizes of femoral components with both anterior and posterior referencing techniques.

Anterior and posterior referencing sizing guides and cutting blocks and methods

A multi-piece intervertebral disc augmentation implant that may be assembled within the annulus fibrosus is disclosed. The implant may be guided into a precise location through a relatively small opening in the annulus fibrosus with the aid of an elongated guide.

Spinal nucleus replacement implants

Methods of spinal nucleus replacemennt

Instruments and techniques separate or spread adjacent bony structures by inserting a distal spreader assembly into the space between the adjacent bony structures and actuating the spreading members with a proximal actuator assembly.

Instruments and techniques for separating bony structures

In one aspect, an intervertebral prosthetic device for implantation within a disc space between adjacent first and second vertebral endplates includes a body including a main body with an outer surface bearing portion configured to interface with and articulate relative to one of the first and second vertebral endplates. It also comprises an orientation protrusion shaped in a manner to at least partially inhibit rotation of the body in the disc space. The body is sized in at least one direction to fit inside a boundary defined by a travel path of the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra, the travel path forming an arc about a center of rotation of the first vertebra, the travel path being spaced from the center of rotation a distance substantially equivalent to the distance from the center of rotation to the second vertebral endplate.

Intervertebral implant and methods of implantation and manufacture

Devices and methods for spinal stabilization include first and second anchor assemblies engageable to respective ones of first and second vertebrae and a connecting element engageable to the first and second anchor assemblies. The connecting element includes opposite first and second end members and a bumper assembly between the end members that flexibly connects the end members so the connecting element can provide dynamic stabilization of the spinal column when engaged to the anchor assemblies.

Load bearing flexible spinal connecting element

An intervertebral disc augmentation implant for implantation between a pair of vertebral bodies comprises a core member having a first height dimension along an axis defined by the pair of vertebral bodies and a cavity running perpendicular to the axis, a first post and a second post each having a bottom portion with a plurality of teeth, and a plug having a tapered portion with engaging mechanisms that are configured to mate with the bottom portions of the first and second post. The first and second posts are disposed substantially in the center of the core member along the axis. The bottom portions of the first and second post extend into the cavity at opposite sides of the cavity. The plug is inserted and advanced in the cavity between the bottom portions of the first and second post, thereby expanding the core member from the first height dimension to a second height dimension.

Ratcheting nucleus replacement

Instrument and method for removing material from an intervertebral disc. The instrument includes outer and inner tubular members. The outer tubular member defines a passage and a cutting window. The inner tubular member is coaxially disposed within the passage, and defines a central lumen and a cutting tip. The cutting tip forms an open mouth having a plurality of teeth. Upon assembly, the cutting tip is exposed within the cutting window combining to define a shaving head. A powered handpiece is coupled to the inner tubular member, and the shaving head is inserted into an intervertebral disc and positioned such that the cutting tip contacts targeted material (e.g., nucleus, annulus and/or end plate). The handpiece is activated to rotate the cutting tip relative to the cutting window. Contacted material is sheared between an edge of the cutting window and the teeth of the cutting tip.

Method and apparatus for removing material from an intervertebral disc space, such as in performing a nucleotomy

An intervertebral implant comprises a first member for engaging a first vertebral body and a second member for engaging a second vertebral body. The first member has a first surface with a first curve, and the second member has a second surface with a second curve. The first member is translatable with respect to the second member and the second curve is positioned within the first curve to bias the first and second curved surfaces towards central alignment along a longitudinal axis passing through the first and second vertebral bodies.

Growing community of inventors

Cordova, TN, United States of America

Tom J Francis