Spacer for insertion between two vertebrae

摘要

A spacer for insertion between two vertebrae includes a variable axial length and comprises a first member having a hollow interior and a tubular wall and a second member having a hollow interior and a tubular wall the second member being slidable within the first member in an axial direction for adjusting an overall length. At least the first member or the second member comprises an access opening in its wall, the opening having a size which is adapted for inserting bone grafts through the opening into the interior. The spacer further comprises a length adjustment structure being engageable with an expansion tool for telescoping the second member relative to the first member and a locking structure for fixing the axial length. The access opening, the length adjustment structure and the locking structure are arranged so as to be accessible from the same side of the spacer. The spacer allows in situ filling of bone grafts into its interior and an improved handling.

主权项

1. A spacer for insertion between two vertebrae, said spacer having a variable axial length and comprising:
a first member having a hollow interior and a tubular wall; a second member having a hollow interior and a tubular wall, the second member being slidable within the first member in an axial direction for adjusting an overall length; and a third member having a hollow interior and a tubular wall and forming a first double cage structure with one of the first member and the second member; wherein the double cage structure comprises two rings of prongs, one ring of prongs located radially inside the other ring of prongs, and wherein a plurality of prongs from each of the two rings of prongs extend generally in the same direction and free ends of the plurality of prongs from each of the two rings of prongs are arranged to contact a first vertebra when the spacer is located between two vertebrae.