Implant for the spinal column and actuating instrument

An implant device comprising;

• an actuating instrument and a height-adjustable implant, the height-adjustable implant comprising an inner cage and an outer cage, wherein the inner cage is substantially U-shaped in cross-section, wherein the inner cage comprises a bottom, a front face, and limbs, wherein the outer cage is U-shaped in cross-section, wherein the outer cage comprises a bottom, a front face, and limbs, wherein the inner cage of the implant is received by the outer cage and telescopically guided, and the inner cage and the outer cage are equally aligned, and wherein the limbs of the inner cage and the limbs of the outer cage are aligned such that a substantially continuous lateral opening lies opposite the bottoms of the two cages, and the inner and outer cages can be fixed with respect to each other in a predetermined end position, and wherein vertebral support surfaces are provided on the front faces of the cages, characterized in that the actuating instrument has a fixation rod and an expansion mechanism with sliding elements, and the inner cage and the fixation rod have corresponding elements, by means of which a releasable, rigid connection between the fixation rod and the inner cage is achieved, and wherein, by actuating the expansion mechanism on the actuating instrument, the outer cage can be moved in a longitudinal direction relative to the inner cage by engagement of the sliding elements on the limbs.