Patent ID: 8591585
Filing Date: 2013-11-26
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An expandable prosthetic implant for engagement between vertebrae, comprising: an inner member having a hollow interior portion and a threaded external portion, wherein the inner member comprises an interior surface at least partially surrounding the hollow interior portion, wherein the interior surface has a cylindrical cutout extending around the interior surface; a first endplate configured to engage a first vertebral body, wherein the first endplate comprises an extension portion configured to be received within the hollow interior portion of the inner member, wherein the extension portion comprises flexible tabs configured to secure the first endplate to the inner member; an outer member having an opening and a hollow interior portion configured to coaxially receive the inner member therein, wherein the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along a longitudinal axis; a second endplate configured to engage a second vertebral body, wherein the second endplate comprises flexible tabs extending from a surface of the second endplate, the flexible tabs configured to secure the second endplate to the outer member; a gear member positioned coaxial to the inner member and outer member and axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member; a locking member received in the outer member, the locking member having at least one arm, an engagement member, and a through-hole, wherein the gear member threadedly engages the threaded portion of the inner member, wherein the gear member comprises a plurality of cutouts capable of being engaged by the engagement member, and wherein one or more protrusions on the flexible tabs of the first endplate are received in the cylindrical cutout of the inner member preventing the first endplate from longitudinal movement wherein in a first position, the engagement member of the locking member is received in the cutout of the gear member preventing the gear member from rotating and in a second position, the engagement member of the locking member is not received in the cutout of the gear member allowing the gear member to rotate, wherein in the first position, the through-hole of the locking member has a central axis that is offset from a central axis of the opening in the outer member and in the second position, the through-hole of the locking member is coaxial with the opening in the outer member.