Expandable spacer and method for use thereof
US8353963B2 · kind B2 · utility
289Cited by
2References
14Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jan 15, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 27, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2310/00179
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An expandable implant is disclosed having an adjustable height for insertion between two adjacent bony structures or joint surfaces, for example between two adjacent spinal vertebrae. The implant includes at least one gear associated with at least one threaded shaft. Rotation of the gear engages the threaded shaft to expand the implant. The implant can be inserted in a collapsed configuration and expanded in situ. The invention also provides methods for using the implant to facilitate arthrodesis or fusion of adjacent joint surfaces or spinal vertebrae.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.