Patent ID: 7655026
Filing Date: 2010-02-02
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A spinal rod comprising: an inflatable member defining an interior cavity being constructed to contain a substance and having a length defined along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, the inflatable member being constructed of a deformable material; a plurality of elongated rails positioned within the interior cavity and oriented along the longitudinal axis; a joining member positioned at an angle to the longitudinal axis and joining at least two of the plurality of elongated rails at a discrete point along each of the at least two elongated rails; the plurality of rails preventing the interior cavity from collapsing axially along the longitudinal axis during insertion of the spinal rod into a subject; and non-inflatable first and second end members connected to opposing sides of the inflatable member and being aligned with the longitudinal axis of the inflatable member; the first and second end members each include a width that is greater than the inflatable member in a non-inflated state and that is less than the inflatable member in an inflated state; the inflatable member extends through an interior of the second member away from the interior cavity.