Method for the treatment of the intervertebral disc anulus
First Claim
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1. A method of supporting a weakened segment of an anulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc, said method comprising:
- identifying a weakened segment of an anulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc, wherein said weakened segment comprises a herniated segment;
providing a first biocompatible support member;
providing a second biocompatible support member;
providing a connection member comprising a first end and a second end,wherein said connection member is configured to couple said first biocompatible support member and said second biocompatible support member and provide tension therebetween;
securely establishing said first biocompatible support member to, within or posterior to said herniated segment;
securely establishing said second biocompatible support member to, within or posterior to the anulus or a vertebral body;
connecting said first biocompatible support member and said second biocompatible support member with said connection member;
applying tension between said first biocompatible support member and said second biocompatible support member along said connection member and displacing said herniated segment to a pre-herniated border of the disc; and
maintaining said tension, thereby supporting said weakened segment.
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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.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method of supporting a weakened segment of an anulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc, said method comprising:
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identifying a weakened segment of an anulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc, wherein said weakened segment comprises a herniated segment; providing a first biocompatible support member; providing a second biocompatible support member; providing a connection member comprising a first end and a second end, wherein said connection member is configured to couple said first biocompatible support member and said second biocompatible support member and provide tension therebetween; securely establishing said first biocompatible support member to, within or posterior to said herniated segment; securely establishing said second biocompatible support member to, within or posterior to the anulus or a vertebral body; connecting said first biocompatible support member and said second biocompatible support member with said connection member; applying tension between said first biocompatible support member and said second biocompatible support member along said connection member and displacing said herniated segment to a pre-herniated border of the disc; and maintaining said tension, thereby supporting said weakened segment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification