Semi-rigid penile prosthesis with separable members and posture control

摘要

A penile prosthesis has a minor length proximal end member separable from the major length body member enabling insertion separately into the crus and the corpus cavernosum, respectively. An element of a quick engageable connector is formed on the adjacent ends of each member for joining the members together as a unit after each member is properly positioned in the patient. Several connectors are shown. Penile posture control is achieved in the major length body member by an axially extending multiple jointed spine within a silicone rubber casing. The spine is formed with alternate tubular and spherical links retained in an articulating assembly by an axial wire. Each spherical link is formed with a pair of diametric extensions projecting into the bores of adjacent tubular links and a diametric bore through the extensions through which the wire passes. The extensions serve to limit the articulation between adjacent links. A compression spring is incorporated in the spine and, in a modification, a threaded adjustment to be performed during manufacture varies the compressive force between the links exerted by the spring and facilitates providing a selection of body members of different stiffnesses. A region of maximum flexibility for positioning at the base of the penis is provided in the spine by the coaction of the spring with specialized proximal terminal links. A modification provides the region of maximum flexibility at the base of the penis in the structure of the minor length member.