Patent ID: 6358283
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An implantable device for lengthening and correcting malpositions of skeletal bones, and said device having an elongate shape comprising a first end, a second end, a length dimension and a cross-sectional dimension, wherein said device further comprises a means for lengthening by bringing said first and second ends into displacement from each other to a predetermined distance between each other after wetting, wherein the means for lengthening comprises an absorbent body, which is arranged for bringing said first and second ends to said predetermined distance by means of a controlled swelling after wetting, while the length dimension increases more than the cross-sectional dimension, wherein the absorbent body is enclosed by a liquid-permeable membrane having permeation properties adapted for providing a controlled permeation rate of water into said absorbent body during wetting.