Annulus-reinforcing band

Abstract

A pliable band or hoop that is flexible to normal handling, but cannot stretch circumferentially once it has reached the limits of its circumferential length. The band may have a structural portal to be used for filling, or it may simply be constructed of a fabric-like material that allows a fill tube to perforate its walls to allow for filling. In the latter case, the perforated wall tends to self-seal once the fill tube is withdrawn. The band may be flat or tubular in cross-section. However, unlike a balloon, the band does not require either a bottom or a top, as we found that a top and bottom are unnecessary when using a band or hoop to enclose material injected into a reamed out intervertebral space.

1 . A method for repairing or replacing the nucleus of a spinal intervertebral disc, comprising: 
 providing nuclear replacement fill material;    providing a generally flexible mesh member sized to fit and expand transversely into a hollowed region of an intervertebral space, the mesh member defining an interior space, the mesh member constructed and arranged to expand from a reduced state to an expanded state by the introduction of the fill material into the interior space, the mesh member including at least one fill opening through which the fill material may be introduced into the interior space;    inserting the mesh member into the intervertebral space through a small portal in the annulus; and    inserting the fill material into the interior space of the mesh member through the at least one fill opening using a fill tube having a means for deflecting the fill material at an angle from a longitudinal axis of the fill tube such that the fill material applies a force within the mesh member sufficient to stabilize the intervertebral segment.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  further including radially containing the fill material.  
   
   
       3 . A method for repairing or replacing the nucleus of a spinal intervertebral disc, comprising: 
 providing a generally flexible mesh member sized to fit and expand transversely into a hollowed region of an intervertebral space, the mesh member defining an interior space, the mesh member including a plurality of pores, the plurality of pores being sized to allow ingress and egress of liquids, solutions or small particle suspensions and ingrowth of fibrous elements into and through the mesh when the mesh is positioned in the hollowed region of an intervertebral space, the plurality of pores being sized to retain the fill material within the interior space of the mesh member, the mesh member including at least one fill opening through which the fill material may be introduced into the interior space, the at least one fill opening comprising at least one of the plurality of pores    inserting the mesh member into the intervertebral space; and    inserting the fill material into the interior space of the mesh member through the at least one fill opening using a fill tube having a means for deflecting the fill material at an angle from a longitudinal axis of the fill tube such that the fill material applies a force within the mesh member sufficient to stabilize the intervertebral segment.    
   
   
       4 . A method for repairing or replacing the nucleus of a spinal intervertebral disc, comprising: 
 providing a generally flexible double walled mesh member sized to fit and expand transversely into a hollowed region of an intervertebral space, the double walled mesh member defining an interior space and defining a toroidal space between the inner wall and outer wall, the mesh member including at least one fill opening through which the fill material may be introduced into the interior space, and at least one fill opening through which fill material may be introduced into the toroidal space, the mesh member constructed and arranged to expand from a reduced state to an expanded state by the introduction of fill material into the interior space;    inserting the mesh member into the intervertebral space;    inserting the fill material into the interior space of the mesh member through the at least one fill opening; and    inserting fill material into the toroidal space of the mesh member such that the filled toroidal space provides additional strength and radial support.    
   
   
       5 . A method for repairing or replacing a weakened vertebral body, comprising: 
 providing a generally flexible mesh member sized to fit and expand transversely into a hollowed region of a vertebral body, the mesh member defining an interior space, the mesh member constructed and arranged to expand from a reduced state to an expanded state by the introduction of fill material into the interior space, the mesh member including at least one fill opening through which the fill material may be introduced into the interior space;    inserting the mesh member into the intravertebral space; and    inserting a minimally elastic fill material into the interior space of the mesh member through the at least one fill opening using a fill tube having a means for deflecting the fill material at an angle from a longitudinal axis of the fill tube such that the fill material applies a force within the mesh member sufficient to provide support to the weakened vertebral body.    
   
   
       6 . A method for repairing or replacing a weakened vertebral body, comprising: 
 providing a generally flexible mesh member sized to fit and expand transversely into a hollowed region of a vertebral body, the mesh member defining an interior space, the mesh member including a plurality of pores, the plurality of pores being sized to allow ingress and egress of liquids, solutions or small particle suspensions and ingrowth of bony trabeculae or fibrous elements into and through the device when the device is positioned in the hollowed region of a vertebral body, the plurality of pores being sized to retain the fill material within the interior space of the mesh member, the mesh member including at least one fill opening through which the fill material may be introduced into the interior space, the at least one fill opening comprising at least one of the plurality of pores;    inserting the mesh member into the intravertebral space; and    inserting a minimally elastic fill material into the interior space of the mesh member through the at least one fill opening using a fill tube having a means for deflecting the fill material at an angle from a longitudinal axis of the fill tube such that the fill material applies a force within the mesh member sufficient to provide support to the weakened vertebral body.    
   
   
       7 . A method for treating spinal disorders comprising: 
 creating a surgical portal;    removing tissue to create a hollowed region within a spinal segment;    providing a generally flexible mesh member compacted to fit into a small delivery device;    inserting the flexible member into the hollowed region by introducing the delivery device into the surgical portal;    deploying the flexible member into the hollowed region such that it expands to a larger dimension than the surgical portal and conforms to the hollowed region; and    inserting fill material into the interior space of the flexible member through the at least one fill opening using a fill tube having a means for deflecting the fill material at an angle from a longitudinal axis of the fill tube such that the fill material applies a force within the mesh member.