Patent ID: 8540770

Claim:
An adjustable intervertebral implant for implanting between neighboring vertebral bodies to replace all or a significant portion of a damaged vertebra, the adjustable intervertebral implant comprising: a radiolucent inner member having a longitudinal axis extending between a first end and a second end, an outer surface, a throughslot extending from the second end of the inner member along the longitudinal axis of the inner member, and a first threading on the outer surface of the inner member; a radiolucent outer member having a longitudinal axis extending between a first end and a second end, and an outer surface, the inner member slidably received within the outer member and being slidably movable along the longitudinal axis of the outer member; a radiographically visible expansion ring having inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface having a second threading thereon, wherein a width of crests of the first threading is greater than a width of crests of the second threading, the expansion ring being rotatably coupled to the outer member so that rotation of the expansion ring results in engagement of the first and second threadings and slidable translation of the inner member with respect to the outer member, the expansion ring further including a plurality of unthreaded throughslots disposed circumferentially around the expansion ring; and at least one set screw wherein advancement of one of the at least one set screw within a corresponding one of the plurality of unthreaded throughslots disposed around the expansion ring causes a distal end of said one of the at least one set screw to bear against the outer surface of the inner member and thereby secure the inner member relative to the outer member in a locked position.