Expansion Rod, Self-Adjusting

Abstract

The design of a rod is disclosed that can serve, among other more general applications, as an implant to stimulate the reduction of spinal deformity. Different from common solid rod implants, the here-disclosed rod provides an almost uniform pressure between a chosen maximum and minimum by means of an internal spring and by expanding its length to adjust for progressing spinal growth or adjustment. The rod contains an internal ratchet which permits a piston to expand only outward, thereby providing easy installation and the expansion of the rod over time as the spine adjusts. The controlled expansion occurs in surgical applications through occasional body flexing, thereby avoiding additional interventions for adjustment.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.