Method of implanting dynamically stable spinal implant
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of implanting an implant in an intervertebral disc having an anulus fibrosis and a nucleus pulposus, comprising:
- identifying a defective region in the anulus fibrosis of the disc;
selecting an implantation site with a first region comprising a weakened curved surface adjacent more than one region comprising a healthy surface;
wherein said implantation site is located beyond the innermost layer of the anulus fibrosis;
providing an implant having first and second end portions and a medial portion with greater flexibility than said first and second end portions;
implanting the medial portion of the implant along the weakened curved surface such that the end portions extend along the adjacent healthy surfaces along the innermost layer of the anulus fibrosis;
wherein said implant minimizes or prevents the migration of the nucleus pulposus from within the disc toward the defective region in the anulus; and
wherein said implant is implanted without removing a substantial portion of the nucleus.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Devices for implantation into an intervertebral disc can include a membrane support member to augment a disc having a defect. A defect in the anulus of a disc can be repaired using a prosthesis such as a barrier. The barrier can include a sealant and an enlarger. The barrier can be implanted into the disc using a delivery cannula, an advancer and at least one control filament to control the positioning of the barrier. A stiffening element can be included within the barrier to impart stiffness to the barrier. The support member can also be connected to an anchor.
-
Citations
15 Claims
-
1. A method of implanting an implant in an intervertebral disc having an anulus fibrosis and a nucleus pulposus, comprising:
-
identifying a defective region in the anulus fibrosis of the disc; selecting an implantation site with a first region comprising a weakened curved surface adjacent more than one region comprising a healthy surface; wherein said implantation site is located beyond the innermost layer of the anulus fibrosis; providing an implant having first and second end portions and a medial portion with greater flexibility than said first and second end portions; implanting the medial portion of the implant along the weakened curved surface such that the end portions extend along the adjacent healthy surfaces along the innermost layer of the anulus fibrosis; wherein said implant minimizes or prevents the migration of the nucleus pulposus from within the disc toward the defective region in the anulus; and wherein said implant is implanted without removing a substantial portion of the nucleus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
-
Specification