Non-invasive expandable prosthesis for growing children
US5466261A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 1992 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2250/0082
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An adjustable length prosthetic implant includes a stem having a rod portion, the rod portion including a first end portion adapted for connection to a bone and a second end portion including a piston reciprocable in a sleeve. The sleeve includes a closed end and an inner chamber extending to an opposite open end and defining an axial dimension. The chamber contains the piston for sliding movement therethrough and extension of the first end portion of the stem from the open end of the sleeve. The closed end of the sleeve includes an outer surface having a mounting component thereon for mounting on a bone. An inner surface of the closed end cooperates with the piston to define an axially expandable pocket therebetween. Hydrogel is disposed within the pocket and is axially expandable relative to the axis defined by the chamber upon contact with fluid for forcing extension of the stem from the open end of the sleeve. A valve or metering pump controls the flow of the fluid to the hydrogel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.