17/129,237

Paragraph Number

79

The shank 402 is a narrow structure that joins the head 404 with the distal end 408. In one embodiment, the shank 402 includes threads 410. The threads 410 are configured to engage with internal threads 154 of the opening 150. The threads 410 may extend from the proximal end 406 to the distal end 408. Alternatively, the threads 410 may extend from the distal end 408 part way along the shank 402. In the illustrated embodiment, the shank 402 includes one or more slots 412. The slots 412 may extend along a length of the shank 402 and may pass through the shank 402 from one side to the opposite side. The slots 412 may facilitate bone growth through the expandable intervertebral implant as part of a recovery process once the expandable intervertebral implant is installed in a patient.

Added by DJM 2 2021