System and method for the pretreatment of the endplates of an intervertebral disc
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for the pre-treatment of an intervertebral disc prior to the introduction of a disc prosthesis or implant includes removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc to expose at least a portion of the endplate of an adjacent vertebra to the disc. A fluent treatment material is then injected into the disc space to come into contact with the portion of the endplate. The fluent treatment material is operable to prepare the portion of the endplate to accommodate a disc prosthesis, implant or graft subsequently introduced into the disc space. Different fluent treatment materials are provided that depend upon the condition of the vertebral endplates.
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Citations
37 Claims
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1-21. -21. (canceled)
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21. A method of providing nutrients to an intervertebral disc situated between the endplates of upper and lower vertebrae, comprising the steps of:
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forming a passageway into the disc space;
placing a cannulated element in the passageway; and
providing one or more substances beneficial to the intervertebral disc through the cannulated element. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. A method of improving nutrient flow into the intervertebral disc space situated between the endplates of upper and lower vertebrae, comprising the steps of:
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extending a cannulated element into the disc space between the endplates; and
introducing through the cannulated element one or more substances beneficial to improving nutrient flow into the disc space. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36, 37)
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Specification