Importance

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Abstract

An expandable implant is capable of extruding material during expansion. The expandable implant comprises an anchor structure and a movable structure. The anchor structure is adapted to be inserted at least partially into a bone or between two bones, and is adapted to be secured thereto by expansion. The movable structure is operatively connected to the anchor structure so that movement of the movable structure with respect to the anchor structure causes expansion of the implant and at least partial extrusion of material contained within the implant. Preferably, the implant also includes an actuation device which connects the anchor structure to the movable structure, and the material which is at least partially extruded is an osteogenic material. In response to mechanical manipulation, the actuation device can move the movable structure with respect to the anchor structure in a first predetermined direction which causes expansion of the implant and reduces the volume of a cavity within the implant. As a result of the reduction in volume, the osteogenic material is extruded at least partially out from the cavity. Also provided is a method of stabilizing first and second bones with respect to one another. The method comprises the steps of: inserting at least one expandable implant between the bones; expanding the implant; and extruding an osteogenic material from the implant during expansion thereof.

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First Claim