Annulus repair systems and methods
AssigneeWarsaw Orthopedic, Inc.
InventorHai H. Trieu
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods for repairing annulus defects include scaffold (30), attachment members (40), and anchors (20). The scaffold (30) acts as a plug to substantially fill the annulus defect. The anchors (20) are secured to tissue adjacent the annulus defect. The attachment member (40) secures the scaffold (30) to the anchors (2). Thus, the systems and methods for repairing annulus defects retain the scaffold within the annulus defect.
Claims20
A spinal repair system for repairing an annulus defect of a spinal disc, comprising:
- a scaffold formed as a plug for filling substantially the entire volume of the defect, said scaffold having an outer end aligning with or extending outward from a surface of the annulus and an inner end;
- first and second anchors, each of said anchors having a first end, a second end and a shank between said ends, said shank being cylindrical, said first end being circular and concentric with said shank, and said second end having a point, and wherein said anchors each have a respective hole adjacent said first end having a diameter less than the diameter of said shank;
- and
- a flexible attachment member, said member having a portion within said scaffold, said member exiting said scaffold at a first point and extending through said hole of said first anchor and returning to and entering said scaffold at a second point adjacent said first point, said member exiting said scaffold at a third point and extending through said hole of said second anchor and returning to and entering said scaffold as a fourth point adjacent said third point.
The system of 1, wherein said member is a suture.
The system of 1, wherein said member exits said scaffold at fifth and sixth points outside the annulus in two free ends, and said free ends we tied together.
The system of 1, wherein the respective shanks of said anchors are non-threaded and include barbs.
The system of 1, wherein said annulus defect is adjacent a spinal disc nucleus, and said scaffold inner side is adjacent the nucleus.
The system of 1, wherein said annulus defect is adjacent a spinal disc nucleus, and said scaffold inner side is adapted to contact the nucleus.
The system of 1, wherein said scaffold is composed of a uniform composite with at least one resorbable phase and at least one non-resorbable phase.
The system of 1, wherein said scaffold is adapted to conform to the inner volume of the defect.
The system of 1, wherein said scaffold, said anchors and said member are pre-assembled, prior to use in a surgery.
The system of 1, wherein said member travels in a continuous manner from said scaffold to and through said hole of said first anchor then through said scaffold and to and through said hole of said second anchor then into said scaffold.
The system of 1, further comprising an artificial disc member connected to said attachment member so that said artificial disc member is movable with respect to said attachment member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.