EXPANDABLE VERTEBRAL IMPLANT

摘要

Expandable implants for engagement between vertebrae generally include an inner member, outer member, and gear member positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.

主权项

1. A system for installing an expandable prosthetic implant for engagement between vertebrae, comprising:
an expandable implant comprising:
an inner member having a hollow interior portion, a threaded external portion, and a flattened portion which extends at least in part from a distal end to a proximal end and including a first end portion configured to engage a first vertebral body;an outer member having a hollow interior portion configured to coaxially receive the inner member therein, an opening and at least one slot on an outer surface of the outer member, and including a second end portion configured to engage a second vertebral body, wherein the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along a longitudinal axis;a gear member positioned coaxial to the inner member and outer member and axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member, wherein the gear member threadedly engages the threaded portion of the inner member; and an insertion and expansion tool comprising:
a gear component configured to engage the gear member of the expandable implant such that when the gear component is rotated, the gear member of the implant is rotated to either expand or contract the implant;a distal tip portion that extends beyond the gear component and is configured to engage the opening in the outer member of the implant; andat least one arm configured to engage the at least one slot in the outer member of the implant during insertion of the implant.