Annulus-reinforcing band
First Claim
1. A device for stabilizing a spinal motion segment comprising:
- a substantially tubular member constructed from a generally pliable, but minimally elastic material, the substantially tubular member having a first end and a second end, the substantially tubular member defining an interior space and an opening at the first end and the second end, the substantially tubular member having a circumference sized to fit in the immediate vicinity of the outer annulus of the intervertebral disc of a mammalian spine, the substantially tubular member having a central axis, the central axis extending between the first end and the second end, the central axis constructed and arranged to be generally collinear with a cephalo-caudal axis of the mammalian spine when fitted into the immediate vicinity of the outer annulus of the intervertebral disc, the substantially tubular member having a predetermined height and a predetermined thickness.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A pliable band or hoop that is flexible to normal handling, but cannot stretch circumferentially once it has reached the limits of its circumferential length. The band may have a structural portal to be used for filling, or it may simply be constructed of a fabric-like material that allows a fill tube to perforate its walls to allow for filling. In the latter case, the perforated wall tends to self-seal once the fill tube is withdrawn. The band may be flat or tubular in cross-section. However, unlike a balloon, the band does not require either a bottom or a top, as we found that a top and bottom are unnecessary when using a band or hoop to enclose material injected into a reamed out intervertebral space.
167 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A device for stabilizing a spinal motion segment comprising:
- a substantially tubular member constructed from a generally pliable, but minimally elastic material, the substantially tubular member having a first end and a second end, the substantially tubular member defining an interior space and an opening at the first end and the second end, the substantially tubular member having a circumference sized to fit in the immediate vicinity of the outer annulus of the intervertebral disc of a mammalian spine, the substantially tubular member having a central axis, the central axis extending between the first end and the second end, the central axis constructed and arranged to be generally collinear with a cephalo-caudal axis of the mammalian spine when fitted into the immediate vicinity of the outer annulus of the intervertebral disc, the substantially tubular member having a predetermined height and a predetermined thickness.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
Specification