Herniated disc repair

Abstract

Systems for minimally invasive disc augmentation include an anulus augmentation component and a nucleus augmentation component. Both are suited for minimally invasive deployment. The nucleus augmentation component restores disc height and/or replaces missing nucleus pulposus. The anulus augmentation component shields weakened regions of the anulus fibrosis and/or resists escape of natural nucleus pulposus and/or the augmentation component. Methods and deployment devices are also disclosed. Method of supporting and augmenting a nucleus pulposus by inserting a flexible biocompatible material into the disc space using an anchoring means are also provided.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . An intervertebral disc system comprising:
 an anulus augmentation device;   a nuclear augmentation material;   wherein the anulus augmentation device is configured to resist migration within a disc region bounded by the anulus and vertebral body endplates without depending on the nuclear augmentation material,   wherein the anulus augmentation device is independent of the nuclear augmentation material,   wherein the annulus augmentation device comprises a biocompatible support member, and   wherein said nuclear augmentation material comprises a fluid that remains fluid after said nuclear augmentation material is implanted or infused in an intervertebral disc; and   an anchor adapted to be coupled to the biocompatible support member.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said anchor is a bone anchor. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said biocompatible support member comprises a flexible patch. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said biocompatible support member comprises a frame and a membrane. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said anulus augmentation device is removable. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said nuclear augmentation material is removable. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said fluid is selected from the group consisting of one or more of the following: steroids, antibiotics, tissue necrosis factors, tissue necrosis factor antagonists, analgesics, growth factors, genes, gene vectors, hyaluronic acid, non-crosslinked collagen, fibrin, liquid fat, oils, synthetic polymers, polyethylene glycol, liquid silicones, synthetic oils, and saline. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the nuclear augmentation material comprises a carrier configured to carry said fluid. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said carrier comprises collagen. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the biocompatible support member is configured to present a concavity facing the nucleus in the implanted orientation. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of said fluid is absorbable. 
     
     
         13 . An intervertebral disc system comprising:
 an anulus augmentation device;   a nuclear augmentation material;   wherein the anulus augmentation device is configured to resist migration within a disc region bounded by the anulus and vertebral body endplates without depending on the nuclear augmentation material,   wherein the annulus augmentation device comprises a barrier, and   wherein said nuclear augmentation material comprises a fluid that remains fluid after said nuclear augmentation material is implanted or infused in an intervertebral disc.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the nuclear augmentation material comprises a carrier configured to carry said fluid. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein said carrier comprises collagen. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13 , further comprising an anchor adapted to be coupled to the barrier, wherein the anchor comprises a bone anchor. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein at least a portion of said fluid is absorbable. 
     
     
         18 . An intervertebral disc system comprising:
 an anulus augmentation device;   a nuclear augmentation material;   wherein the anulus augmentation device is configured to resist migration within a disc region bounded by the anulus and vertebral body endplates without depending on the nuclear augmentation material,   wherein the annulus augmentation device comprises a flexible patch, and   wherein said nuclear augmentation material comprises a fluid that remains fluid after said nuclear augmentation material is implanted or infused in an intervertebral disc.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the nuclear augmentation material comprises a carrier configured to carry said fluid. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein said carrier comprises collagen. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20 , further comprising an anchor adapted to be coupled to the barrier, wherein the anchor comprises a bone anchor.