Spacer with adjustable axial length

Details Spacer with adjustable axial length Spacer with adjustable axial length

1999-10-04

2001-03-13

Hirsch, Paul J. (Department: 3732)

Prosthesis (i.e., artificial body members), parts thereof, or ai

Implantable prosthesis

Bone

C623S017160, C606S064000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06200348

ABSTRACT:

The invention relates to a spacer for insertion in particular between two vertebrae, the spacer having an adjustable axial length, a sleeve-like first member and a second member which is guided within the first member and displaceable in axial direction relative to the first member for adjustment of the overall length.
A spacer of this type is known from DE 196 22 827 A1. The second member guided within the first member comprises a thread on its surface and a stop ring threaded onto the thread. The first member is put onto the second member and both members are pushed into each other up to the stop formed by the screwed-on ring. After insertion between the two vertebrae the final length is adjusted by screwing the ring towards the first sleeve for extending the spacer. In the final position both members are fastened relative to each other using a fastening screw. Both free ends of the spacer are provided with end plates with faces having blades for cutting into the adjacent vertebra. The requirement of rotating the stop ring around the longitudinal axis results in a certain torque exerted on both members which causes the risk that the blades at the free ends of the members injure the adjacent vertebrae by exertion of the torque when inserting the spacer. Rotation is very difficult because of the limited space available for operation.
It is the object of the invention to provide a spacer of the initially described kind which requires no rotational force or movement for adjusting its length so that the draw-backs of the prior art are avoided.
Using a ratchet the surgeon inserting the spacer may move back and forth between different, apparently ideal positions before finally locking the spacer in its ideal length.
The form of the corresponding edge portions of the spacer members, has the advantage that the surgeon may angularly adjust the end faces of this variable spacer.


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