Expandable vertebral prosthesis

摘要

The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, gear member and a locking assembly 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 method for stabilizing spinal elements comprising the steps of:
providing an expandable prosthetic implant, the expandable prosthetic implant comprising: an inner member having a hollow interior portion and a threaded external portion 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 and including a second end portion configured to engage a second vertebral body, a second member 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, the gear member configured with a plurality of notches, a locking assembly having a flexible member positioned between the inner member and the outer member and movable between a first position and a second position, and wherein in the first position one end of the flexible member engages with one of a plurality of notches configured on an inner surface of the gear member to block movement of the gear member, and in the second position the flexible member is disengaged from one of the plurality of notches and allows movement of the gear member which allows relative movement between the inner member and the outer member, accessing the first and second vertebral bodies; and positioning the expandable prosthetic implant between the first and second vertebral bodies.