초록 ▼

An expandable intervertebral fusion implant includes a pair of semi-cylindrical shells having mating surfaces which resist shifting when the parts are assembled. The shells have pillars provided with teeth which permit the shells to be ratcheted outward after they have been placed between spinal ele

An expandable intervertebral fusion implant includes a pair of semi-cylindrical shells having mating surfaces which resist shifting when the parts are assembled. The shells have pillars provided with teeth which permit the shells to be ratcheted outward after they have been placed between spinal elements. The pillars are curved, or extend from their shells at a non-perpendicular angle, so that the resulting implant is tapered, to accommodate non-parallel spinal element end plates and thus maintain proper spinal curvature.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] An expandable intervertebral fusion implant comprisinga pair of shells, each having a generally semicylindrical base having lateral edges and a plurality of pillar projecting from each of the lateral edges,at least some of the pillars on one shell having ratchet teeth adapted to eng

[ I claim:] [1.] An expandable intervertebral fusion implant comprisinga pair of shells, each having a generally semicylindrical base having lateral edges and a plurality of pillar projecting from each of the lateral edges,at least some of the pillars on one shell having ratchet teeth adapted to engage complementary ratchet teeth on the other shell,the teeth preventing the shells from moving toward one another, but permitting the shells to move away from one another as the pillars deflect when the shells are driven apart with sufficient force.