Adjustable implant

An adjustable implant comprising:

• a body having a length;
• a deflectable linkage comprising a first linking segment, an intermediate segment pivotally connected to the first linking segment about a first pivot axis, and a second linking segment pivotally connected to the intermediate segment about a second pivot axis, the first linking segment being pivotally connected to the body about a third pivot axis and the second linking segment being pivotally connected to the body about a fourth pivot axis;
• a mechanism for adjusting a distance between the third and fourth pivot axes, thereby causing deflection of the deflectable linkage, wherein the first linking segment and the second linking segment are formed with projecting features configured to provide a partial gear engagement between the first and second linking segments such that, during adjustment of the distance between the third and fourth pivot axes, pivotal motion of the first and second linking segments relative to the intermediate segment about the first and second pivot axes occurs in a fixed ratio defined by the partial gear engagement, and wherein the body and the deflectable linkage form at least part of an implant for deployment within a human body;
• and
• wherein the body and the second linking segment are formed with complementary cooperating surfaces shaped such that, during adjustment of the distance between the third and fourth pivot axis and corresponding deflection of the deflectable linkage, relative motion of the body and the second linking segment maintains the cooperating surfaces in strain-limiting proximity.