Annulus fibrosis augmentation methods and apparatus
OwnerBret A. Ferreeinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods aid the annulus in controlling vertebral motion, thereby preventing additional annular tears, and decreasing pain from annular tears. A biocompatible fabric or mesh is attached to the annulus. The material may be attached to the inside and/or outside of the annulus by stitches, staples, adhesives, or other suitable techniques. Alternatively, the fabric may be attached to the vertebra above and below the disc by screws, staples, tacks, or porous material for bone ingrowth such as titanium.
Claims19
A method of fortifying an annulus fibrosis having an inner wall and an outer wall between adjacent vertebrae with opposing endplates, the method comprising the steps of:
- forming a hole through the annulus sufficient to access the inner wall;
- covering at least a portion of the inner wall with a first layer of flexible, biocompatible material;
- fastening the first layer of material to the inner wall of the annulus at one or more points;
- and
- closing the hole in the annulus.
In disc-replacement surgery of the type wherein one or more prosthetic disc elements are inserted into an intervertebral disc space through an annulus fibrosis having an inner wall and an outer wall between adjacent vertebra, the method comprising:
- lining at least a portion of the inner wall of the annulus fibrosis with a layer of flexible, biocompatible material as a protective barrier against tearing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.