Supplementation or replacement of a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc

The method for replacing or supplementing a nucleus pulposus in an intervertebral disc having an annulus fibrosus surrounding a nucleus pulposus, the intervertebral disc being located between endplates of adjacent superior and inferior vertebral bodies, the endplates of the vertebral bodies each defining a longitudinal axis, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) forming a channel through one of the superior and inferior vertebral bodies adjacent to the intervertebral disc, the channel extending from an exterior surface of the vertebral body to the nucleus pulpous, the channel having a longitudinal axis defining a vertical approach angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the endplate of the vertebra through which the channel is formed, the vertical approach angle being about 40°, the longitudinal axis of the channel forms a lateral approach angle with respect to a spinous process plane of the adjacent vertebral bodies, the lateral approach angle being about 50°;
• (b) introducing an amount of biocompatible material through the channel into the annulus fibrosus;
• and
• (c) sealing the channel with a plug.

A method for repairing an intervertebral disc located between endplates of adjacent superior and inferior vertebral bodies, the endplates of the vertebral bodies each defining a longitudinal axis, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) forming a channel through the superior vertebral body adjacent to the intervertebral disc, the channel extending from an exterior surface of the posterior or posterior—lateral side of the superior vertebral body down to the intervertebral disc, the channel having a longitudinal axis defining a vertical approach angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the endplate of the vertebral body through which the channel is formed, the vertical approach angle being in a range from about 10° to about 70°;
• (b) introducing a biocompatible material through the channel into the intervertebral disc;
• and
• (c) sealing the channel with a plug.