Method for the treatment of the intervertebral disc anulus
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.
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.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said connection member comprises a rigid rod.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said connection member comprises a material selected from one of the following materials: suture, wire, woven tube, or webs or bands of material.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said connection member at least partially traverses the disc space.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising inserting an augmentation material into said disc and attaching said augmentation material to or along said connection member.
6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising limiting the movement of said augmentation material within the disc.
7. The method of claim 5 , wherein said augmentation material comprises one of a passageway, a channel, or a slit configured to permit said augmentation material to slide along said connection member.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the connection member is integral with the support members.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the connection member is resorbable.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first or said second support member is resorbable.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first or said second support member comprises one of the following: a barbed anchor, a bone anchor, a soft tissue anchor, a coil, or, a screw.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first or said second support member are shaped as one of the following: a bar, a plate, a bead, or, a cap.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first or said second support member is affixed to the anulus or vertebral body with cement or adhesive.
14. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of displacing said weakened segment and restricting its motion to a pre-herniated border of the disc.
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein said method of supporting a weakened segment of an anulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc is performed without a discectomy.
16. The method of claim 1 , wherein said weakened segment comprises a defect, and wherein said applying tension closes said defect.