Annulus repair systems and techniques

#The present invention relates generally to the field of spinal surgery, and more particularly to systems and techniques for repairing the annulus fibrosis of a spinal disc.

#There are various surgical procedures and conditions that create a defect in the annulus fibrosis, such as, for example, an annulotomy, a discectomy, nucleotomy, implantation of artificial disc nucleus or artificial disc prosthesis, or repair of a disc herniation. Repair of annulus defects is normally perceived as time consuming and ineffective. Thus, annulus defects are commonly left unrepaired. This may lead to a higher incidence of disc reherniation or expulsion of the implant from the disc space.

#In those procedures where the annulus is repaired via sutures that attempt to close the defect by pulling the surrounding tissue together, there are difficult challenges encountered. Often, the annulus defect is a relatively large hole that is difficult to close with conventional suturing techniques. It can also be difficult to actively engage the sutures in the surrounding annulus tissues, and the sutures could cut or tear through the annulus tissues after the repair has been made.

#FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view directed to one embodiment of an annulus repair system.

#FIGS. 2A-2C are side elevation views of various embodiments of anchors that can be employed with the annulus repair system of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 2D is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment anchor.

#For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated embodiments, and any such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

#The annulus repair system and methods include a blocking member retained by one or more attachment portions within or adjacent a defect in the annulus fibrosis of a spinal disc. The blocking member can block all or a portion of the defect or void within the annulus fibrosis, such as may be caused by surgery or disc herniation. The one or more attachment portions can be connectable to or integrally formed with the blocking member. The attachment portions may be engaged to soft tissue and/or hard tissue or bone adjacent to the defect or void. Thus, the attachment portions retain the blocking member in a substantially fixed position within the defect or void relative to adjacent soft or hard tissue.

#With respect to the various embodiments described herein, the attachment portion can be joined or fixed to the blocking member using various devices and/or techniques, or can be integrally formed with or an extension of the blocking member. The blocking member can be joined or attached to the attachment portion by, for example, sewing the attachment portion to the blocking member, thermal welding or bonding, adhesive bonding, three dimensional weaving or braiding, screws, staples, pins, tacks or rivet fixation. Furthermore, the attachment portion can be secured to the blocking member either before or after the blocking member is placed into or adjacent to the annulus defect.