Micro-invasive nucleotomy device and method

A method of removing material from an intervertebral disc of a human or an animal, the method comprising the steps of:

• placing into a nucleus of an intervertebral disc of a human or an animal a cannula having an open, distal tip and a rotational element disposed at least partially in the cannula;
• and
• rotating the rotational element relative to the cannula, thereby at least assisting in drawing a material from the nucleus of the intervertebral disc into the open distal tip of the cannula.

A method of treating an intervertebral disc of a human or an animal, the method comprising the steps of:

• measuring a pressure within an intervertebral disc;
• and
• treating the disc based at least in part on the measured pressure within the disc.

A method for monitoring a condition of an intervertebral disc, the method comprising:

• measuring a pressure in an intervertebral disc after the disc has been surgically treated.

A method for treating an intervertebral disc of a human or an animal, the method comprising:

• percutaneously removing material from an intervertebral disc through a cannula;
• and
• introducing a disc replacement material into the intervertebral disc through said cannula.