Method and apparatus for closing fissures in the annulus fibrosus

A method for closing a fissure in a region of tissue having an inner surface and an outer surface, the method comprising:

• providing a first transverse anchor having a first surface, a second surface and a hole extending from the first surface to the second surface, and a first flexible longitudinal fixation component having a first end and a second end, wherein the first flexible longitudinal fixation component is passed through the hole in the first transverse anchor and secured to the first transverse anchor with a first knot tied on the second surface of the first transverse anchor;
• providing a second transverse anchor having a first surface, a second surface and a hole extending from the first surface to the second surface, and a second flexible longitudinal fixation component having a first end and a second end, wherein the second flexible longitudinal fixation component is passed through the hole in the second transverse anchor and secured to the second transverse anchor with a second knot tied on the second surface of the second transverse anchor;
• positioning the first surface of the first transverse anchor on one side of the fissure and against the inner surface of the tissue, with the second end of the first flexible longitudinal fixation component extending to the outer surface of the tissue on the first side of the fissure;
• positioning the first surface of the second transverse anchor on the second side of the fissure and against the inner surface of the tissue, with the second end of the second flexible longitudinal fixation component extending to the outer surface of the tissue on the second side of the fissure;
• tensioning the first flexible longitudinal fixation component and second flexible longitudinal fixation component so as to reduce the size of the fissure;
• and
• securing the first flexible longitudinal fixation component to the second flexible longitudinal fixation component.