Spinal disc annulus reconstruction method and spinal disc annulus stent
AssigneeAnulex Technologies, Inc.
InventorsJoseph C. Cauthen III, Matthew M. Burns, Lawrence W. Wales, Brian L. Dukart, Bradley J. Wessman, Rodney L. Houfburg
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Abstract
The present invention provides methods and devices for annulus disc repair with and without the use of a patch or stent. The methods and devices are particularly suited to the repair and/or reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, with reduced failure rate as compared to conventional surgical procedures.
Claims27
A method of intervertebral disc repair for treating a disc having an aperture, weakened, or thin portion in the wall of the annulus fibrosis of said intervertebral disc comprising:
- placing at least one fixation device into, or through, the wall of an annulus in a portion surrounding the aperture, or weakened or thin portion of the wall of said annulus and causing, or allowing, the one or more devices to be drawn in tension to pull together, wholly or partially, the annular tissue surrounding said aperture, weakened, or thin portion of said annulus.
A method of claim 3, wherein said surgical suture material is biodegradable.
A fixation device useful for intervertebral disc reconstruction for treating a disc having an aperture, weakened, or thin portion in the wall of the annulus fibrosis of said intervertebral disc, said device comprising:
- at least one anchor portion and at least one band.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.