Abstract: An adjustable vertebral body replacement implant and assembly includes a thin-walled cylindrical body configured to span over most of the length between intact vertebrae when damaged or diseased vertebrae have been removed. The cylindrical body defines a hollow interior and includes endplates with end surfaces configured to contact the adjacent vertebra and to engage the cylindrical body therebetween. Said end surface includes a blade or plurality of blades configured to penetrate the adjacent vertebra and to facilitate insertion and removal of the implant. This end surface also defines a bore through said endplate. In one embodiment, an end cap which includes a porous body such as porous tantalum manufactured under the name HEDROCEL® is placed in said bore. The end cap provides strength to carry the vertebral loading while allowing vascularization between the intact vertebral and bone growth material disposed within the implant.

Abstract: An adjustable vertebral body replacement implant and assembly includes a thin-walled cylindrical body configured to span over most of the length between intact vertebrae when damaged or diseased vertebrae have been removed. The cylindrical body defines a hollow interior with a plurality of bone-ingrowth apertures communicating with the interior. The replacement assembly further includes endplates configured to contact the adjacent vertebra and to engage the cylindrical body therebetween. The cylindrical body and the endplates include mating threads to permit adjustment of the overall height of the implant. A means for fixing the cylindrical body to the endplates is contemplated, which in one embodiment is a set screw for locking the components in place. In another embodiment, the means for fixing includes a crimping channel and notch defined in the endplates to be crimped onto the cylindrical body.

Abstract: An adjustable vertebral body replacement implant and assembly includes a thin-walled cylindrical body configured to span over most of the length between intact vertebrae when damaged or diseased vertebrae have been removed. The cylindrical body defines a hollow interior with a plurality of bone-ingrowth apertures communicating with the interior. The replacement assembly further includes endplates configured to contact the adjacent vertebra and to engage the cylindrical body therebetween. The cylindrical body and the endplates include mating threads to permit adjustment of the overall height of the implant. A means for fixing the cylindrical body to the endplates is contemplated, which in one embodiment is a set screw for locking the components in place. In another embodiment, the means for fixing includes a crimping channel and notch defined in the endplates to be crimped onto the cylindrical body.

Abstract: An adjustable vertebral body replacement implant and assembly includes a thin-walled cylindrical body configured to span over most of the length between intact vertebrae when damaged or diseased vertebrae have been removed. The cylindrical body defines a hollow interior with a plurality of bone-ingrowth apertures communicating with the interior. The replacement assembly further includes endplates configured to contact the adjacent vertebra and to engage the cylindrical body therebetween. The cylindrical body and the endplates include mating threads to permit adjustment of the overall height of the implant. A means for fixing the cylindrical body to the endplates is contemplated, which in one embodiment is a set screw for locking the components in place. In another embodiment, the means for fixing includes a crimping channel and notch defined in the endplates to be crimped onto the cylindrical body.