Devices and methods for the treatment of spinal disorders

• US 6,402,750 B1
• Filed: 04/04/2000
• Issued: 06/11/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/04/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: KRT Investors, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Spinlabs LLC
• Inventors: Keith, Peter T., Atkinson, Robert E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Smith, Jeffrey A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Priddy, Michael B.
• Application Number:
  US09/542,972
• Time in Patent Office: 798 Days
• Field of Search: 606/60, 606/61, 623/17-1-
• US Class Current: 606/279
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/70 Spinal positioners or stabilisers ; Bone stabilisers comprising fluid filler in an implant
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7011 Longitudinal element being non-straight, e.g. curved, angled or branched adjustable length longitudinal elements A61B17/7014; A61B17/7019 takes precedence, e.g. coil springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7025 with a sliding joint
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7026 with a part that is flexible due to its form
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7062 Devices acting on, attached to, or simulating the effect of, vertebral processes, vertebral facets or ribs rib fixation devices A61B17/8076; Tools for such devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00557 inflatable A61B2017/22051 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4435 Support means or repair of the natural disc wall, i.e. annulus, e.g. using plates, membranes or meshes

Abstract

Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. Dynamic bias devices and reinforcement devices are disclosed, which may be used individually or in combination, to eliminate nerve impingement associated with the damaged disc, and/or to reinforce the damaged disc, while permitting relative movement of the vertebrae adjacent the damaged disc.

Claims

1. A method of reinforcing an annulus of an intervertebral disc disposed between a first vertebra and a second vertebra in an adult human spine, the method comprising the steps of:

providing an implantable reinforcement member; and

implanting the reinforcement member into the annulus of the intervertebral disc such that the reinforcement member is completely disposed within the annulus.

2. A method as in claim 1, further comprising the step of partially separating the adjacent vertebrae prior to the step of implantation.

3. A method as in claim 1, wherein a plurality of implantable reinforcement members are provided, and wherein the plurality of reinforcement members are implanted substantially parallel in the annulus.

4. A method as in claim 1, wherein the reinforcement member is expandable, further comprising the step of expanding the reinforcement member.

5. A method as in claim 1, further comprising the steps of

providing a tubular member having a curved tip and a lumen extending therethrough;

inserting the tip of the tubular member into the annulus; and

inserting the reinforcement member through the lumen of the tubular member and into the annulus.

6. A method as in claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

providing one or more implantable bias devices, each having a first vertebral attachment member, a second vertebral attachment member, and a bias force member applying a bias force therebetween while permitting near normal relative motion therebetween;

attaching the first attachment member of each implantable bias device to the first vertebra; and

attaching the second attachment member of each implantable bias device to the second vertebra.

7. A method as in claim 1, wherein the annulus has a peripheral curvature, and wherein the reinforcement member is implanted in a position substantially conforming to the curvature.

8. A method as in claim 1, wherein the annulus has a posterior portion with a posterior periphery, and wherein the reinforcement member is implanted in the posterior portion of the annulus in a position substantially aligned with the posterior periphery.

9. A method as in claim 1, wherein the reinforcement member applies a force to the annulus.

10. A method as in claim 9, wherein the force compresses a portion of the annulus.

11. A method as in claim 9, wherein the force is sufficient to deform the annulus.