Patent ID: 6706070
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A spinal implant for facilitating fusion between neighboring vertebrae of a spine, comprising:a pair of engaging plates configured to fit between and engage the vertebrae to maintain a disk space between the vertebrae during use; two cam blocks configured to be coupled to inner surfaces of the engaging plates during use; a single substantially elongated member configured to be coupled to the two cam blocks during use, wherein the substantially elongated member is configured such that rotation of the substantially elongated member in a first angular direction moves the two cam blocks such that a height between the engaging plates is substantially increased during use, and wherein the substantially elongated member is configured such that rotation of the substantially elongated member in a second angular direction moves the two cam blocks such that the height between the engaging plates is substantially decreased during use; and wherein the two cam blocks are configured to be positioned on the elongated member such that an anterior height and a posterior height of the engaging plates are configured to be adjusted, and wherein an anterior height of the engaging plates is different than a posterior height of the engaging plates when the engaging plates contact the vertebrae.