Patent ID: 8343192
Filing Date: 2013-01-01
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for treating scoliosis comprising: implanting an expandable telescoping rod subcutaneously within a subject, the expandable telescoping rod disposed on a posterior of the spine of the subject, wherein the expandable telescoping rod is in a curved state when it is secured to the spine, and wherein the expandable telescoping rod is in a curved state when it is secured to the spine, and wherein implantation comprises securing a first end of the expandable telescoping rod at a first location on the subject's spine and securing a second, opposing end of the expandable telescoping rod at a second location on the subject's spine, the expandable telescoping rod comprising a hollow outer sleeve and an inner sleeve coaxially disposed in the outer sleeve along a common longitudinal axis and wherein the hollow outer sleeve and inner sleeve are configured to limit rotational movement between the hollow outer sleeve and inner sleeve and wherein the hollow outer sleeve and inner sleeve are configured to limit rotational movement between the hollow outer sleeve and inner sleeve; and non-invasively applying an electromagnetic field from an external hand-held device to a drive unit disposed in the outer hollow sleeve to control the expansion of the expandable telescoping rod over an extended period of time until a desired spinal condition is obtained.