Implantable distraction device
OwnerJohn T. Smith, Sohrab Gollogly +1inventors
InventorsJohn T. Smith, Sohrab Gollogly, Robert A. Van Wyk
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Abstract
A subcutaneously implantable distraction device comprises a first arm, having a first skeletal connector for attachment to a first skeletal component at a first location. A second arm has a second skeletal connector for attachment to a second skeletal component at a second location. The first and second arms are slidably moveable with respect to each other. A fluid actuator is associated with each of the first and second arms to apply a separating force between the arms to slidably move at least one of the arms relative to the other.
Claims18
A subcutaneously implantable distraction device, comprising:
- a first arm having a first skeletal connector configured to be attached to a first skeletal component at a first location;
- a second arm having a second skeletal connector configured to be attached to a second skeletal component at a second location;
- the first and second arms being slidably moveable with respect to each other;
- a fluid actuator, associated with the first and second arms, the actuator being capable of applying a separating force between the arms to slidably move at least one of the arms relative to the other;
- and
- each of the first and second arms including at least two adjustable sections, adjustably coupled to one another to enable adjustment of a length of the first and second arms.
A method of distracting a first skeletal component and a second skeletal component relative to each other, comprising the steps of:
- coupling a first arm to the first skeletal component;
- coupling a second arm to the second skeletal component;
- providing a fluid-actuated force between the first and second arms to slidably move at least one of the first and second arms relative to the other to distract the first and second skeletal components relative to each other;
- and
- extending a length of each of the first and second arms with a length adjusting assembly independent of the fluid-actuated force.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.