Patent ID: 6520991
Filing Date: 2003-02-18
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
An expandable intervertebral implant adapted to be inserted at least partially into vertebrae or in between two vertebrae, and adapted to be secured thereto by expansion, comprising:a first shell having a first end and a plurality of engaging members extensible from the implant for engagement with cancellous bone tissue of a vertebra, said engaging members axially extending from said first end, a cross section of said first shell including at least one curvalinear shoulder for supporting a periosteal surface of a vertebra; a second shell operatively connected to said first shell and having a second end with at least one bearing surface engageable with said engaging members, a cross section of said second shell including at least one curvalinear shoulder for supporting a periosteal surface of a vertebra, said first and second shells cooperating to form a cavity delimited by inner surfaces thereof; and at least one extrusion opening in at least one of said first and second shells, wherein movement of said second shell with respect to said first shell causes expansion of the implant and at least partial extrusion of material contained in the cavity through said extrusion opening.