Methods and apparatus for anulus repair

Abstract

Apparatus, systems and methods are used to repair, reconstruct and/or replace spinal features. A flexible longitudinal fixation component such a suture is passed around or through a portion of a spine, with the end sections of the component either being attached to one another or coupled to at least one bone implant. The bone implant may be a bone anchor or may form part of a pedicle screw assembly. The flexible longitudinal fixation component may pass through an anulus fibrosis (AF) and at least one intra-aperture component situated within a void or defect in an AF. The intra-aperture component may be composed of a porous mesh, allograft tissue or xenograft tissue. The intra-aperture component preferably includes one or more proximal-to-distal channels facilitating the intentional initial passage of nucleus pulposis (NP) tissue while preventing the extrusion of the NP long term.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.