Patent ID: 6610090
Filing Date: 2003-08-26
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A height-adjustable vertebral implant comprising:a first, inner U-shaped cage having first legs and a connecting portion connecting the first legs; a second, outer U-shaped cage having second legs and a connecting portion connecting the second legs; wherein the second cage is configured to receive the first inner cage and to telescopically guide the first cage; the first and second legs of the first and second cages aligned with one another such that a continuous lateral opening is defined by the first and second legs; wherein the first and second cages have a U-shaped end face, respectively, provided with angular, tongue-shaped vertebral supporting surfaces and tooth-shaped projections extending in a longitudinal direction of the first and second cages; wherein the first and second legs have a free end remote from the connecting portion, respectively, wherein the free ends have an inwardly curved portion, respectively, for strengthening the first and second cages; wherein the connecting portion of the first cage has a first elongate hole provided with a toothing and extending in the longitudinal direction; wherein the second cage comprises a set screw engaging the first elongate hole for enabling a relative movement and adjustment between the first and second cages; wherein the connecting portion of the first cage has a second elongate hole adjacent to the first elongate hole and wherein the second cage comprises a threaded hole; a locking screw engaging the threaded hole of the second cage and the second elongate hole of the first cage for securing a predetermined end position.