Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

Devices to augment and/or fortify a human disc use a bag, body or other suitable enclosure fashioned from fascia, skin, or other applicable tissue from a living or recently deceased human or animal donor. The devices may aid the ingrowth of the patient's tissue and, in time, the patient's body may replace the transplanted tissue. The device exhibits a final volume sized to consume at least a portion of the intervertebral disc space, with the biologic tissue and filler material enabling the body to cyclically compress and expand in a manner similar to the disc material being replaced or augmented. Various filler materials may be used to impart an appropriate level of compressibility, including polymeric urethanes or other suitable elastomers, hydrogels, or biologic tissues. Devices according to the invention may be attached to the inside and/or outside of the annulus by stitches, staples, adhesives, or other suitable techniques. Alternatively, the device may be attached to the vertebra above and below the disc by screws, staples, tacks, or porous material for bone ingrowth such as titanium. Other methods of attachment to the annulus or vertebrae would also be acceptable if the overall goals of the invention are otherwise achieved.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim