VARIABLE HEIGHT INTERVERTEBRAL DEVICES AND METHODS FOR USE

摘要

Variable height intervertebral devices (10) and method of employing the devices are disclosed. The devices (10) and methods can maintain or re¬ establishing anatomic spacing along a spine and can ensure avoidance of long- term structural, neurological, vascular, and/or other systemic impairments. The intervertebral device (10) includes a cylindrical body (12) having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a first disk (14) threaded to the first end of the cylindrical body (12) and a second disk (20) mounted to the second end of the cylindrical body; means (16) for rotating the cylindrical body whereby the first disk (14) translates along the cylindrical body to vary the height (18) of the device (10); and a plurality of pins (60) mounted to one disk (14), the plurality of pins (60) slidably engageable with a plurality of sleeves (62) mounted to the other disk (20), the pins and sleeves inhibiting the first disk from rotating when the cylindrical body (12) is rotated.