Patent ID: 8628576
Filing Date: 2014-01-14
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An implant for implantation between a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body, the implant comprising: a first end body and a second end body; a first intermediate body and a second intermediate body, a portion of the intermediate bodies intermediate the first and second end bodies, wherein the first intermediate body is movably joined to the first end body by a first joint, wherein the first intermediate body is movably joined to the second end body by a second joint, wherein the second intermediate body is movably joined to the first end body by a third joint, wherein the second intermediate body is movably joined to the second end body by a fourth joint; a shaft coupled to and extending between the first end body and the second end body, wherein the shaft is coupled to the first end body between the first and third joints, wherein the shaft is coupled to the second end body between the second and fourth joints, the implant having an implant length parallel to the shaft and an implant width perpendicular to the shaft; wherein the implant is transformable between a compact configuration and an expanded configuration; wherein in the compact configuration the end bodies are spaced apart from one another; wherein in the expanded configuration the end bodies are closer to one another than in the compact configuration, the implant length is shortened relative to the compact configuration, and the implant width is increased relative to the compact configuration; wherein the increase in implant width is greater along a first direction of the implant width than along a second direction of the implant width; wherein in the compact and expanded configurations the third and fourth joints are spaced farther apart in a direction parallel to the shaft than are the first and second joints, and the third joint is farther from the second end body in a direction parallel to the shaft than is the first joint.