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[0012] Sutures are then tied in such fashion as to draw together the sides of the aperture, effecting reapproximation or closure of the opening, to enhance natural healing and subsequent reconstruction by natural tis
Problems solved by technology
Without the disc, collapse of the intervertebral space occurs in conjunction with abnormal joint mechanics and premature development of arthritic changes.
Similarly, the nucleus dessicates, increasing viscosity and thus losing its fluidity.
In combination, these features of the aged intervertebral discs result in less dynamic stress distribution because of the more viscous nucleus pulposus, and less ability to withstand localized stresses by the annulus fibrosu
Method used
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[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, which appears in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, a damaged annulus 42 is repaired by use of surgical sutures 40. One or more surgical sutures 40 are placed at about equal distances along the sides of a pathologic aperture 44 in the annulus 42. Reapproximation or closure of the aperture 44 is accomplished by tying the sutures 40 so that the sides of the aperture 44 are drawn together. The reapproximation or closure of the aperture 44 enhances the natural healing and subsequent reconstruction by the natural tissue (e.g., fibroblasts) crossing the now surgically narrowed gap in the annulus 42. Preferably, the surgical sutures 40 are biodegradable, but permanent non-biodegradable may be utilized.
[0034] Additionall...
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Abstract
A stent, or device for repair and reconstruction of the spinal disc wall, or annulus fibrosus, after surgical incision or pathologic rupture, which is inserted through an aperture into the subannular space. The stent has radial extensions which are caused or allowed to expand into an expanded configuration to bridge the aperture. The stent thereby occludes the defective region from the inside of the vertebral disc and prevents the migration of nucleus pulposus therethrough, while also providing a scaffold for tissue growth.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10 / 085,040, filed Mar. 1, 2002, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09 / 947,078, filed Sep. 5, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,592,625, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09 / 484,706, filed Jan. 18, 2000, now abandoned, and which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 160,710, filed Oct. 20, 1999.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention generally relates to a surgical method of intervertebral disc wall reconstruction. The invention also relates to an annular repair device, or stent, for annular disc repair. The effects of said reconstruction are restoration of disc wall integrity and reduction of the failure rate (3-21%) of a common surgical procedure (disc fragment removal or discectomy). This surgical procedure is performed about 390,000 times annually in the United States. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The spinal column is formed from a number of vertebrae, which...
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