Intervertebral anulus and nucleus augmentation
First Claim
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1. A method of preserving a herniated segment of an anulus of a functional spine unit, the method comprising:
- providing an anchor;
providing a support member;
providing a connection member operable to connect the anchor to the support member, wherein the connection member is operable to transmit tensile forces along its length;
positioning the support member on, within, or posterior to a herniated segment of the anulus without resecting the herniated segment;
securely establishing said anchor in a location within the functional spine unit;
tightening the connection member so as to induce the herniated segment to move towards the anchor; and
securing the connection member between the anchor and the support member so as to restrict motion of the herniated segment.
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Abstract
Systems for minimally invasive disc augmentation include an anulus augmentation component and a nucleus augmentation component. Both are suited for minimally invasive deployment. The nucleus augmentation component restores disc height and/or replaces missing nucleus pulposus. The anulus augmentation component shields weakened regions of the anulus fibrosis and/or resists escape of natural nucleus pulposus and/or the nucleus augmentation component. Methods and deployment devices are also disclosed.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method of preserving a herniated segment of an anulus of a functional spine unit, the method comprising:
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providing an anchor; providing a support member; providing a connection member operable to connect the anchor to the support member, wherein the connection member is operable to transmit tensile forces along its length; positioning the support member on, within, or posterior to a herniated segment of the anulus without resecting the herniated segment; securely establishing said anchor in a location within the functional spine unit; tightening the connection member so as to induce the herniated segment to move towards the anchor; and securing the connection member between the anchor and the support member so as to restrict motion of the herniated segment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of preserving a herniated segment of an anulus of a functional spine unit, the method comprising:
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providing one or more anchors; providing a support member; providing a connection member operable to connect the anchor to the support member, wherein the connection member is operable to transmit tensile forces along its length; implanting at least a portion of the support member to contact a herniated segment of the anulus without resecting the herniated segment; anchoring said anchor in a location within the functional spine unit; tightening the connection member so as to induce the herniated segment to move towards said one or more anchors; and securing the connection member between the anchor and the support member so as to restrict motion of the herniated segment to a natural border of the anulus. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21)
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Specification