Automated growing rod device

Abstract

A remotely controllable growing rod device comprises a housing containing on-board electronics and supporting drive assemblies operable to extend or retract associated extension elements projecting along the axis of the device. Each extension element terminates in an anchor element configured to be anchored to a part of the spine, such as the pedicle of a vertebral body. Each drive assembly includes a micromotor and a threaded interface between the motor and the corresponding extension element. The on-board electronics includes a microprocessor, a power supply, such as an inductive power supply, and a receiver/transmitter. The microprocessor is configured to receive remotely transmitted movement data through the receiver and to control actuation of the drive assemblies to move the associated extension elements. Multiple growing rod devices implanted within a patient may communicate to a common on-board microprocessor through an implanted data bus.