Methods for treating defects and injuries of an intervertebral disc

US7740660B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SPINE WAVE, INC. · US

Inventors

• Keith Collins · Milford, US
• Thomas G. Wilson · Guilford, US
• Jared Walkenhorst · Denver, US
• Dennis Lee · Swarthmore, US
• Andrew J. Carter · McNeil, US
• John Pafford · Bartlett, US
• Mark D. LoGuidice · Southport, US
• Lance Middleton · Soddy-Daisy, US
• Lawrence M. Boyd · Memphis, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 29, 2005
• Grant date: Jun 22, 2010
• Expiry date: Apr 7, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2002/4663
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method for treating a herniated spinal disc between opposing vertebral bodies having a damaged outer annulus and an inner nucleus pulposus comprises the steps of: providing access to the nucleus pulposus through the annulus; removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create an intradiscal space; applying a first distraction force on the opposing vertebral bodies from within the intradiscal space; applying a second distraction force on the opposing vertebral bodies externally of the intradiscal space; and introducing a curable biomaterial through the annulus access directly into the intradiscal space. The first distraction force is applied within the disc space to distract the anterior aspect of the intradiscal space, while the second distraction force is applied exterior to the disc to act on the posterior aspect of the vertebral bodies. The first distraction force is applied prior to the application of the second distraction force and then removed. The second distraction force is maintained during the introduction of the biomaterial into the intradiscal space.