Patent ID: 8187331
Filing Date: 2012-05-29
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. An implant for insertion between vertebral members in a patient comprising: an outer member including a first end to contact a first of the vertebral members; an inner member including a second end to contact a second of the vertebral members; an intermediate member disposed so as to overlap within the outer member and the inner member at a common position along a longitudinal axis of the implant to form a three-layer arrangement, the intermediate member being displaceable longitudinally in first and second directions relative to the outer member, the intermediate member further having a longitudinal channel to contain the inner member and a lateral opening that extends through the intermediate member into the channel; and a locking element disposed at least partly within the lateral opening and movable with respect thereto, the locking element being positioned within an interior of the outer member; displacement of the intermediate member in the first direction forces the locking element inward toward the inner member; displacement of the intermediate member in the second direction allows the locking element to be outwardly displaced away from the inner member.