Patent ID: 7927357
Filing Date: 2011-04-19
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An adjustable surgical implant, said implant comprising: an elongated implantable body having a rectangular shape and including a first end having a first opening and an opposed second end having a second opening an adjustable cylindrical rod, associated with the first end of the implantable body such that a length of the adjustable cylindrical rod relative to the implantable body is adjustable, wherein a set of gear teeth are disposed on a portion of the adjustable cylindrical rod to form a rack mechanism; a second cylindrical rod affixed to the second end of the implantable body such that a length of the second cylindrical rod relative to the implantable body is fixed; an anchoring screw disposed at an end of the second cylindrical rod to anchor the second cylindrical rod to a spinal column; an adjusting mechanism disposed at the first end of the implantable body and meshing with the rack mechanism of the adjustable cylindrical rod, wherein the adjusting mechanism is alterable following implantation of the surgical implant to adjust the length of the adjustable cylindrical rod relative to the implantable body while the length of the second cylindrical rod relative to the implantable body is unchanged; wherein an end of the adjustable cylindrical rod is positioned between the first end and the second end of the implantable body as the length of the adjustable cylindrical rod relative to the implantable body is adjusted.