Devices and methods for stabilizing tissue and implants
The present invention provides a method for intervertebral disc surgery. The method includes creating a passage in a vertebral body adjacent to the intervertebral disc. The passage extends from a side surface of the vertebral body to a nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. Annulus fibrosis tissue of the intervertebral disc is not incised during the surgery.
1 . A method for intervertebral disc surgery comprising:
creating a passage in a vertebral body adjacent to the intervertebral disc, the passage extending from a side surface of the vertebral body to a nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc.
2 . The method of claim 1 wherein annulus fibrosis tissue of the intervertebral disc is not incised.
3 . The method of claim 2 further including repairing the nucleus pulposus.
4 . The method of claim 3 wherein repairing the nucleus pulposus includes removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus.
5 . The method of claim 4 further including closing the passage in the vertebral body after repairing the nucleus pulposus.
6 . The method of claim 5 wherein closing the passage includes positioning a plug in an end of the passage adjacent the nucleus pulposus.
7 . The method of claim 6 wherein closing the passage includes placing a substance in the passage.
8 . The method of claim 7 wherein the substance is selected from the group consisting of antibiotics, hydroxypatite, anti-inflammatory agents, steroids, antibiotics, analgesic agents, chemotherapeutic agents, bone morphogenetic protein, demineralized bone matrix, collagen, growth factors, autogenetic bone marrow, progenitor cells, calcium sulfate, immo suppressants, fibrin, osteoinductive materials, apatite compositions, germicides, fetal cells, stem cells, enzymes, proteins, hormones, cell therapy substances, gene therapy substances, and combinations thereof.
9 . The method of claim 8 wherein closing the passage includes positioning a seal in an end of the passage adjacent the side surface of the vertebral body.
10 . The method of claim 4 further including passing a nucleus pulposus implant through the passage and to an area where at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus was removed.
11 . The method of claim 10 wherein the nucleus pulposus implant is nucleus pulposus replacement material.
12 . The method of claim 11 further including closing the passage in the vertebral body after repairing the nucleus pulposus.
13 . The method of claim 4 further including repairing soft tissue resected while gaining access to the vertebral body, the repair of the soft tissue occurring after repair of the nucleus pulposus.
14 . The method of claim 13 wherein repairing soft tissue includes repairing or reconstructing a ligament.
15 . The method claim 13 wherein repairing soft tissue includes repairing a muscle.
16 . The method of claim 13 wherein repairing soft tissue includes repairing a tendon.
17 . The method of claim 4 further including stabilizing the spine after repairing the nucleus pulposus.
18 . The method of claim 17 wherein stabilizing the spine includes positioning a stabilization member between vertebrae located adjacent to the repaired nucleus pulposus.
19 . The method of claim 17 wherein stabilizing the spine includes positioning a stabilization member adjacent a facet joint between vertebrae located adjacent to the repaired nucleus pulposus.
20 . The method of claim 17 wherein stabilizing the spine includes positioning a stabilization member between spinous processes of vertebrae located adjacent to the repaired nucleus pulposus.