Annulus fibrosis augmentation methods and apparatus
First Claim
1. A method of fortifying an annulus fibrosis situated between upper and lower vertebral bodies, comprising the steps of:
- providing a length of material having two ends;
forming opposing cavities in the upper and lower vertebral bodies;
inserting each end of the length of material into a respective one of the cavities in the upper and lower vertebral bodies; and
fixing the two ends of the material.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Annulus fibrosis reconstruction methods use devices similar to those used in reconstruction of the ACL of the knee. Tendon (allograft or autograft) or tendon connected to bones (allograft or autograft) is grafted across the disc space and into the vertebrae. The grafts can be held in position with interference screws. The screws could be resorbable. The reconstructed annulus would a) help to control the movement between the vertebrae, for example, rotation, translocation, and bending; and b) help prevent the extrusion of devices or material from the disc space. A shape-changing material, clamp or cable tie may also be used to increase the height of an intradiscal device according to the invention. Additional fixation features may be added around a hoop or band to enhance surface area or prevent “pull-out.”
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method of fortifying an annulus fibrosis situated between upper and lower vertebral bodies, comprising the steps of:
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providing a length of material having two ends;
forming opposing cavities in the upper and lower vertebral bodies;
inserting each end of the length of material into a respective one of the cavities in the upper and lower vertebral bodies; and
fixing the two ends of the material. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of at least partially occupying an intradiscal space situated between upper and lower vertebral bodies, comprising the steps of:
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inserting a band of material within the intradiscal space;
placing an intradiscal device within the band; and
allowing the band to change shape, or tightening the band, to increase the height of the intradiscal device. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification