Patent ID: 8784451
Filing Date: 2014-07-22
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A height adjustable spacer insert configured to be supported between elongated processes associated with first and second succeeding spinal vertebrae, said insert comprising: an outer piece having a boomerang shaped cross sectional profile exhibited by first and second angled sides and an interconnecting midpoint, said outer piece is constructed of a softer material, a boomerang shaped inner perimeter surface extending from an edge of said outer piece and inwardly to define a pocket within said outer piece; anchors extending from said outer piece and adapted to engage a selected one of the elongated processes for mounting said outer piece so that said midpoint is adapted to being supported upon the elongated process in a seated fashion and said pocket faces away from a main disk associated with the vertebra; an inner piece constructed of a harder material and having a boomerang shape cross sectional profile, an exterior of said inner piece being ramped along a length extending dimension between a first end having a smaller boomerang shaped dimension and a second end having a larger boomerang shaped dimension; and said first end of said inner piece being received within a receiving end of said pocket, wherein continued inward displacement of said inner piece causes uniform expansion of said softer outer piece along its cross sectional dimension and into supporting contact with an underside of the other elongated process.