Method and system for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae

Abstract

A method of stabilizing adjacent vertebrae including the steps of forming at least one annulotomy in an annulus. At least a portion of the nucleus material is removed through the annulotomy to form a cavity in an intervertebral disc space between the adjacent vertebrae. A reservoir containing a flowable biomaterial is fluidly coupled to the intervertebral disc space. A flowable biomaterial is delivered to the cavity. The delivery of the flowable biomaterial into the intervertebral disc space is controlled in accordance with at least a first operating parameter. The biomaterial is at least partially cured to stabilize the adjacent vertebrae.

1 . A method of stabilizing adjacent vertebrae, comprising the steps of:
 forming at least one annulotomy in an annulus;   removing through the annulotomy at least a portion of a nucleus material to form a cavity in an intervertebral disc space between the adjacent vertebrae;   fluidly coupling a reservoir containing a flowable biomaterial to the intervertebral disc space;   delivering a flowable biomaterial to the cavity;   controlling the delivery of the flowable biomaterial into the intervertebral disc space in accordance with at least a first operating parameter; and   at least partially curing the biomaterial to stabilize the adjacent vertebrae.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  comprising adhering the biomaterial to at least a portion of an inner surface of the cavity to stabilize the adjacent vertebrae. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  comprising the steps of coating the inner surface of the cavity with a reinforcing material before delivering the flowable biomaterial to the cavity. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  comprising the steps of:
 fluidly coupling the reservoir containing the flowable biomaterial to a mold located in the intervertebral disc space;   delivering a flowable biomaterial to a mold located in the cavity; and   bonding an outer surface of the mold to at least a portion of an inner surface of the cavity.   
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4  comprising the step of substantially removing the annulus before delivering the flowable biomaterial. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 4  comprising relying on natural tissues for at least a portion of the mold. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the first operating parameter comprises delivering the flowable biomaterial at a pressure sufficient to distract the intervertebral disc space. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  comprising selecting the biomaterial to facilitate growth of vertebral bone. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1  comprising selecting the biomaterial to facilitate fusion of the adjacent vertebrae. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1  comprising configuring the biomaterial to stabilize the adjacent vertebrae. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1  comprising the step of monitoring the pressure of the flowable biomaterial in the intervertebral disc space. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1  comprising the steps of monitoring at least one injection condition, wherein the at least one injection condition comprises pressure, the flow rate, elapsed time, or the total volume of the flowable biomaterial flowing between the reservoir and the intervertebral disc space. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 1  comprising the steps of:
 determining that at least one injection condition comprises an out of specification condition; and   indicating an out of specification condition.   
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 1  comprising the steps of:
 determining that at least one injection condition comprises an out of specification condition; and   altering the flow of flowable biomaterial to the intervertebral disc space.   
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 1  comprising the step of removing at least a portion of the annulus before delivering the flowable biomaterial. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 1  comprising the steps of:
 monitoring at least one injection condition; and   controlling the delivery of the flowable biomaterial in accordance with a second operating parameter in response to one or more of the injection conditions reaching a threshold level.   
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16  comprising the step of waiting a predetermined period of time after at least one injection condition reaches a threshold level before initiating the second operating parameter. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the step of controlling the delivery of the flowable biomaterial comprises a third operating parameter that occurs between the first and second operating parameters, the third operating parameter comprising maintaining the flowable biomaterial at a predetermined pressure in the intervertebral disc space for a predetermined period of time. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the first operating parameter comprises the step of delivering the flowable biomaterial at a first operating pressure and the second operating parameter comprises the step of delivering the flowable biomaterial at a second operating pressure lower than the first operating pressure. 
   
   
       20 . A method of stabilizing adjacent vertebrae, comprising the steps of:
 forming a cavity in an intervertebral disc space between the adjacent vertebrae;   delivering a flowable biomaterial to the cavity;   controlling the delivery of the flowable biomaterial into the intervertebral disc space in accordance with a first operating parameter;   at least partially curing the biomaterial; and   adhering the biomaterial to at least a portion of an inner surface of the cavity to stabilize the adjacent vertebrae.   
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20  comprising the steps of:
 delivering the flowable biomaterial to a mold located in the cavity; and   bonding an outer surface of the mold to at least a portion of an inner surface of the cavity.   
   
   
       22 . A method of stabilizing adjacent vertebrae, comprising the steps of:
 forming a cavity in an intervertebral disc space between the adjacent vertebrae;   delivering the flowable biomaterial to a mold located in the cavity;   controlling the delivery of the flowable biomaterial into the intervertebral disc space in accordance with a first operating parameter;   at least partially curing the biomaterial; and   bonding an outer surface of the mold to at least a portion of an inner surface of the cavity to stabilize the adjacent vertebrae.   
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22  comprising the step of substantially removing the annulus before delivering the flowable biomaterial.