Use of morphogenetic proteins to treat human disc disease
First Claim
1. A method treating human disc disease, comprising the steps of:
- providing a slurry of a dose of a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and a carrier; and
introducing the slurry into an intervertebral disc through a passageway formed in an annulus of the vertebral disc.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are introduced into an affected intervertebral disc without the inclusion of disc cells. The inventions applies to all known and yet-to-be developed or discovered BMPs, including BMP-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, -8, -9, -10, . . . BMPn. The BMP(s) may be obtained from natural and/or recombinant sources. The BMP(s) may be introduced using any surgical technique, including percutaneous or laparoscopic approaches. As one delivery mechanism, a passageway may be formed through the annulus, with the substances then being introduced through the passageway. Alternatively, a carrier may be sewn or otherwise adhered to the inside or outside of the existing annulus using standard surgical procedures. Additional therapeutic substances such as culture medium, growth factors, differentiation factors, hydrogels, polymers, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or immunosuppressive medications could be introduced in conjunction with the BMP(s).
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method treating human disc disease, comprising the steps of:
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providing a slurry of a dose of a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and a carrier; and introducing the slurry into an intervertebral disc through a passageway formed in an annulus of the vertebral disc. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method treating human disc disease, comprising:
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providing a slurry of a dose of a recombinantly generated bone morphogenetic protein and a carrier; and introducing the slurry into an intervertebral disc. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method treating human disc disease, comprising:
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providing a sponge carrier and a dose of a bone morphogenetic protein in contact with the sponge carrier; and adhering the sponge carrier to the outside of an existing intervertebral disc annulus. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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Specification