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Abstract

A technique for repairing a damaged intervertebral disc having an outer annulus fibrosus and an inner nucleus pulposus includes steps of introducing through the annulus fibrosus and into the nucleus pulposus a biologically inert thermoplastic elastomer in the liquid state with sufficient pressure to reinflate the damaged disc to its normal undamaged dimensions. The thermoplastic elastomer may be cured at room temperature to a hardness sufficient to support normal postural compressive loads and prevent the disc from returning to its damaged dimensions. The duration of the curing step is tailored to obtain optimal physical properties desired for the cured thermoplastic elastomer. A syringe including a barrel filled with the thermoplastic elastomer, an operating plunger, and a projecting needle are positioned adjacent the damaged disc, the needle inserted through the annulus fibrosus and into the nucleus pulposus, and the plunger operated to inject the thermoplastic elastomer into the nucleus pulposus.

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First Claim