Patent ID: 6921403
Filing Date: 2005-07-26
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An axially-extending implantable rod for adjusting a distance between two adjacent vertebral bodies in a spine, said rod having an elongated body comprising: a first section near a leading end of the rod that has a first threading for directly engaging with a first vertebral body; a second section near a trailing end of the rod that has a second threading having a base diameter and a major diameter for directly engaging with a second vertebral body that is located proximally relative to the first vertebral body; and an intermediate section extending between the first section and the second section; at least one transverse aperture extending through the body in the intermediate section; wherein a first major diameter of the first threading is less than the base diameter of the second threading; wherein a first thread pitch in the first section is finer relative to a second thread pitch in the second section such that advancement of the first section distally into the first vertebral body by rotation causes an increase in distance between the first and second vertebral bodies.