Flexible space holder

Abstract

A flexible space holder made of at least one biocompatible, rigid material having a tube-like body, with one or more flexible areas is described. The flexible space holder can be temporarily or permanently inserted into a human or animal. Furthermore, the flexible space holder can be surrounded by an elastomeric sleeve. Alternatively, an elastic core can be inserted into the center of the flexible space holder.

1 . A space holder for vertebrae and/or intervertebral discs with space-holder and weight-transfer function for temporary or permanent introduction into a human or animal body of at least one biocompatible material having a tube-like body and, on the ends of the tube-like body, means for connecting to adjacent body parts, wherein the tube-like body has a recess to locally reduce the rigidity of the space holder. 
     
     
         2 . The space holder according to  claim 1 , wherein the tube-like body and the means for connecting to adjacent body parts are interconnected. 
     
     
         3 . The space holder according to  claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible material is rigid. 
     
     
         4 . The space holder according to  claim 3 , wherein the biocompatible material is selected from the group comprising titanium, titanium alloys and plastics. 
     
     
         5 . The space holder according to  claim 1 , wherein the recess is a groove-like recess formed in the wall of said tube-like body. 
     
     
         6 . The space holder according to  claim 5 , wherein the recess is an open aperture in the wall of said tube-like body. 
     
     
         7 . A space holder according to  claim 1 , wherein two recesses are formed in the tube-like body of said space holder. 
     
     
         8 . A space holder according to  claim 7 , wherein said two recesses are groove-like recesses. 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A space holder of  claim 1 , wherein said space holder includes a flexible part which acts together with the recesses to achieve the desired flexibility and mobility. 
     
     
         11 . A space holder of  claim 10 , wherein flexible part comprises an elastomeric sleeve. 
     
     
         12 . A space holder of  claim 1 , wherein said space holder is compressible and extendable in the axial direction and, with reference to the means for connecting provided on the ends and is bendable about a radial turning axis and torsionable about an axial rotating axis. 
     
     
         13 . A space holder according to  claim 1 , wherein means for connecting the tube-like body part to adjacent body parts comprise projections. 
     
     
         14 . A space holder according to  claim 13 , wherein said projections have serrations in the axial directions for engagement with adjacent body parts. 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A space holder according to  claim 1 , wherein means for connecting the tube-like body part to adjacent body parts are formed as an extension of the tube-like body part. 
     
     
         18 . A space holder according to  claim 17 , wherein the extension is integral with the tube-like body part. 
     
     
         19 . A space holder according to  claim 17 , wherein the means for connecting the tube-like body part to adjacent body parts are disposed at an end plate detachably arranged at an end of the tube-like body part. 
     
     
         20 . A space holder according to  claim 1 , wherein the tube-like body is surrounded by an elastic biocompatible sleeve. 
     
     
         21 . A space holder according to  claim 1 , wherein said space holder includes an elastic biocompatible core. 
     
     
         22 . A space holder according to  claim 21 , wherein said elastic biocompatible core is made from an elastomer. 
     
     
         23 . A space holder according to  claim 20 , wherein the sleeve is held by end plates arranged on the tube-like body. 
     
     
         24 - 35 . (canceled)