Vertebral body prosthesis

Claim 1

A prosthesis for replacing a vertebral body in the spine of a human being comprising: a cephalic component including a generally horizontally disposed member having an upper surface for engaging the underside of an upper vertebral body; a caudal component including a generally horizontally disposed member having a lower surface for engaging the upper side of a lower vertebral body; and means for connecting said components in selected adjusted positions relative to one another, said connecting means including a sleeve having an axis and disposed between and rotatable relative to said components, at least one of said components and said sleeve having complementary threaded parts such that rotation of said sleeve in at least one rotary direction adjusts the spacing between said members in direct response to rotation of said sleeve; said cephalic element having an element upstanding from and on one side of said member thereof for securement to a lateral side of the upper vertebral body, said caudal component having an element depending from and on one side of said member thereof for securement to a lateral side of the lower vertebral body; a first guide element depending from said cephalic component and a second guide element upstanding from said caudal component, said guide elements being spaced laterally from said connecting means, one of said guide elements having a recess and another of said guide elements being receivable in said recess to enable movement of said members toward and away from one another and prevent rotational movement of said components relative to one another, said guide elements and said securement elements lying in generally linear alignment with one another and in a plane passing through said axis when said components are connected to one another; whereby stabilization of and support for the spine is afforded.