Methods of reinforcing an intervertebral disc annulus
First Claim
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1. A method of reinforcing an annulus of an intervertebral disc comprising:
- identifying a pre-existing defect in the annulus;
wherein the defect is bordered by an outermost layer of the annulus and an innermost layer of the annulus, the method comprising;
providing a biocompatible support member; and
implanting the biocompatible support member along an innermost surface of the annulus without removing a substantial portion of the nucleus pulposus;
positioning said biocompatible support member entirely beyond said defect;
positioning said biocompatible support member to span said defect, thereby closing said defect and minimizing leakage of a naturally-occurring nucleus pulposus material into the defect;
anchoring the biocompatible support member;
wherein said biocompatible support member extends entirely along the innermost layer of the annulus, andwherein said biocompatible support member is positioned in front of said defect and disposed against said innermost layer, thereby reinforcing the annulus.
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Abstract
Methods of reinforcing annulus fibrosis tissue within an intervertebral disc include the implantation of a support member also functioning as a barrier to resist damage to the tissue or herniation of tissue outside the disc. The device may be anchored to the surrounding tissue. The device is compressible and may be delivered in a minimally invasive manner through a cannula.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method of reinforcing an annulus of an intervertebral disc comprising:
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identifying a pre-existing defect in the annulus;
wherein the defect is bordered by an outermost layer of the annulus and an innermost layer of the annulus, the method comprising;providing a biocompatible support member; and implanting the biocompatible support member along an innermost surface of the annulus without removing a substantial portion of the nucleus pulposus; positioning said biocompatible support member entirely beyond said defect; positioning said biocompatible support member to span said defect, thereby closing said defect and minimizing leakage of a naturally-occurring nucleus pulposus material into the defect; anchoring the biocompatible support member; wherein said biocompatible support member extends entirely along the innermost layer of the annulus, and wherein said biocompatible support member is positioned in front of said defect and disposed against said innermost layer, thereby reinforcing the annulus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of treating an intervertebral disc comprising an annulus fibrosis and a nucleus pulposus, said disc comprising a defect in a wall of the annulus fibrosis, wherein the defect is bordered by an outermost layer of the annulus and an innermost layer of the annulus, the method comprising:
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providing at least one support member; providing at least one fixation device; inserting said at least one fixation device through and beyond said defect and into a vertebra adjacent to said defect; inserting said support member through and entirely beyond said defect without removing a substantial portion of the nucleus pulposus; positioning said support member entirely against the innermost surface of the annulus to close said defect; and securing said support member using said at least one fixation device. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification