Spinal disc anulus occlusion device and method of use

A method of occluding a defect in a spinal disc anulus including an inner surface and an outer surface, and defining an internal cavity, the method comprising:

• deploying a first member within the internal cavity defined by the spinal disc anulus;
• deploying a second member at the outer surface of the anulus in a region of the defect;
• extending a connector through the defect, the connector connecting the first and second members;
• and
• securing the first member relative to the second member via the connector such that the first and second member engage the inner and outer surfaces, respectively, of the anulus and rigidly resist transverse expulsion of the first member through the defect.

A method of implanting a prosthetic spinal disc nucleus into a nucleus cavity defined by an anulus having an inner and outer surface, the method comprising:

• creating an opening through the anulus;
• inserting a prosthetic spinal disc nucleus into the nucleus cavity through the opening;
• deploying a first occlusion member into the nucleus cavity in a region of the opening;
• deploying a second occlusion member at the outer surface of the anulus in the region of the opening;
• extending a connector through the opening, the connector connecting the first and second members;
• and
• securing the first member relative to the second member via the connector such that the first and second members engage the inner and outer surfaces, respectively, of the anulus and rigidly resist expulsion of at least a portion of the prosthetic spinal disc nucleus back through the opening.