Intervertebral disc nucleus implants and methods
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Abstract
Nucleus pulposus implants that are resistant to migration in and/or expulsion from an intervertebral disc space are provided. In one form of the invention, an implant includes a load bearing elastic body surrounded in the disc space by an anchoring, preferably resorbable, outer shell. In certain forms of the invention, the elastic body is surrounded by a supporting member, such as a band or jacket, and the supporting member is surrounded by the outer shell. Kits for forming such implants are also provided. In another form of the invention, an implant is provided that has locking features and optional shape memory characteristics. In yet another aspect of the invention, nucleus pulposus implants are provided that have shape memory characteristics and are configured to allow short-term manual, or other deformation without permanent deformation, cracks, tears, breakage or other damage. Methods of forming and implanting the implants are also described, as are delivery devices and components thereof for delivering the implants.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1-2. -2. (canceled)
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3. An intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus implant, comprising:
a load bearing elastic body sized for placement into an intervertebral disc space, said body having a first end, a second end, a central portion, and a first configuration wherein said first end and said second end are positioned adjacent to said central portion to form at least one inner fold, said elastic body configurable into a second, straightened configuration for insertion through an opening in an intervertebral disc annulus fibrosis, said body configurable back into said first configuration after said insertion. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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11. (canceled)
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26-47. -47. (canceled)
Specification