Patent ID: 7854766
Filing Date: 2010-12-21
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A total artificial expansile disc, comprising: at least one pair of substantially parallel plates, that move apart along a first axis, in order to occupy a space defined by vertebral endplates, each of said parallel plates including a first plate and a second sliding plate that moves along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis; an expansion device that causes movement of the pair of plates along the first axis and the second axis; a core, disposed between the pair of plates, that permits the vertebral endplates to move relative to one another; and a limiter which prevents the core from being extruded from between the substantially parallel plates; wherein the expansion device includes a plurality of bifunctional screws that are configured such that turning of the bifunctional screws causes the movement of the pair of substantially parallel plates along the first axis, and upon completion of the movement of the pair of substantially parallel plates along the first axis, causes the movement of the pair of substantially parallel plates along the second axis.