Method and apparatus for intervertebral disc support and repair

Abstract

An intervertebral disc device is provided to support or repair one or both of the disc annulus and the disc nucleus. The intervertebral disc device includes an annulus support and an elongated member to support the disc nucleus. The disc annulus support has an elongated wire and an annulus closure. The disc nucleus has an elongated member that is expandable. Any of the devices can be loaded with biologics. Moreover, any of the devices may include a scarring factor to promote fibrous growth.

1 . An apparatus, comprising:
 an annulus support having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the exterior surface of the annulus support adapted to traverse an interior surface of a disc annulus and adapted to encompass a volume that surrounds a disc nucleus; and   a separate scarring material adapted to reside between the exterior surface of the annulus support and the interior surface of the disc annulus adapted to promote fibrous tissue growth on the disc annulus such that the annulus support inhibits fibrous growth in the volume.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus, comprising:
 an annulus support having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the exterior surface of the annulus support adapted to traverse an interior surface of a disc annulus and adapted to encompass a volume that surrounds a disc nucleus, the annulus support having a first end and a second end opposite the first end wherein the first end and the second end are adapted to reside in the volume; and   a closure device coupled to at least one of the first end or the second end, the closure device having a compressed state and an expanded state such that the closure device is adapted to be implanted into the volume and expand from the compressed state to the expanded state and close any incisions in the disc annulus.