Patent ID: 8740980
Filing Date: 2014-06-03
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An expandable medical implant for supporting skeletal structures comprising: a base having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the ends and forming an interior passage extending between the first and second ends, a central section of the base between the first and second ends including an opening through the sidewall; a first collar having an inner surface and an outer surface, the first collar completely positioned within the interior passage of the base at the first end and a second collar having an inner surface and an outer surface, the second collar completely positioned within the interior passage of the base at the second end, each of the first and second collars including threaded interiors, wherein each of the collars includes a cylindrical shape with first and second open ends with teeth positioned on the first ends, the first ends of each of the collars being aligned with the opening; a first post that is threaded to the first collar and travels within the first collar and a second post that is threaded to the second collar and travels within the second collar; the first and second posts including heads that are positionable outward from opposing sides of the base; the first and second posts including legs that interdigitate within the interior passage, wherein the base defines a longitudinal axis that extends through the first and second ends and the interior passage, wherein the only access into the interior passage of the base is through one of the first and second ends and the opening.