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Expandable spinal rods and methods of use

  • US 7,655,026 B2
  • Filed: 01/31/2006
  • Issued: 02/02/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/31/2006
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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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.

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