Importance

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Abstract

An expandable intervertebral prosthesis includes a bone graft implant member dimensioned for insertion within an intervertebral space defined between adjacent vertebrae, thereafter adapted to vertically elevate and expand a plurality of barbs into the surrounding bone. The expandable intervertebral prosthesis has a tubular outer body portion having an axial bore with an enlarged proximal end and an exterior surface dimensioned to fit snugly within the space, and a barbed expansion cylinder slidably or rotatably mounted within the axial bore. The tubular outer body portion of the expandable intervertebral prosthesis has a plurality of longitudinal slots or holes in the wall thereof to allow the expansion and retraction of the expansion cylinder's barbs into or out of the surrounding bone. The barbs on the expansion cylinder may be elastically deformed from a normal, retracted configuration to a locking, splayed configuration wherein the outer ends of the barbs extend outwardly through the slots and exterior surface of tubular outer body to penetrate the surrounding bone as the expansion cylinder is moved. The expansion cylinder and, in one embodiment, the exterior surface of the tubular outer body portion, have a plurality of barbs disposed in circumferentially spaced relation about the body and positioned in various angles and positions respect to the axial bore. In another embodiment, the intervertebral prosthesis includes an elevating cylinder rotatably mounted within a frangible tubular outer body portion. The elevating cylinder has one or more detent positions that expand and vertically elevate the frangible tubular outer body portion of the intervertebral prosthesis body upon rotation thereof.

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First Claim