Vertebral column implant

Abstract

A vertebral column implant comprises a connecting element, which is insertable in the vertebral bodies of a vertebral column via several bone screws. The screws are each provided with a head part for receiving the connecting element, by means of which a firm connection is achievable between bone screws and connecting element. The connecting element is composed of rigid sections and elastic sections. Here the rigid sections are connectible to the elastic sections via connecting devices. The connecting devices are designed such that the rigid sections and the elastic sections, in each case connected to to one another, are aligned substantially coaxially, and their connection is form-fitting.

1 . A connecting device for interconnecting sections of a connecting element in a vertebral column implant, said connecting element comprising
 a rigid connecting element section, said rigid connecting element section having two ends,   a sleeve integral with each of the two ends of the rigid connecting element section,   each of the sleeves opening in a direction extending away from a central portion of the rigid connecting element section,   each of the sleeves cooperating with an elastic connecting element section for securing the elastic connecting element section in the sleeve.   
     
     
         2 . The connecting device according to  claim 1 , wherein the elastic connecting element section has two ends, each of the two ends is connected to a respective said rigid connecting element section. 
     
     
         3 . The connecting device according to  claim 1 , wherein the rigid connecting element section is made of a metal alloy. 
     
     
         4 . The connecting device according to  claim 1 , wherein the elastic connecting element is made of a biocompatible synthetic material based on polyurethane. 
     
     
         5 . The connecting device according to  claim 4 , wherein a surface of the elastic connecting element is provided with encircling ribs and grooves. 
     
     
         6 . The connecting device according to  claim 1 , wherein an inner walling of the sleeve is provided with at least one projection. 
     
     
         7 . The connecting device according to  claim 6 , wherein the at least one projection is ribs, aligned transversely to the sleeve, running along the inner walling. 
     
     
         8 . The connecting device according to  claim 6 , wherein the at least one projection is at least one rib running along the inner walling, transversely to the sleeve, over at least one portion of the circumference of the inner walling. 
     
     
         9 . The connecting device according to  claim 6 , wherein the at least one projection is at least one bolt with a mushroom-shaped swelling which projects into the sleeve. 
     
     
         10 . The connecting device according to  claim 6 , wherein the at least one projection of the inner walling including a tooth. 
     
     
         11 . The connecting device according to  claim 6 , wherein the at least one projection of the inner walling is located at a free end of the sleeve. 
     
     
         12 . The connecting device according to  claim 11 , wherein the at least one projection is a collar.