Patent ID: 7879099
Filing Date: 2011-02-01
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method to position a pair of opposing vertebra to improve the functioning of a damaged intervertebral disc positioned between, contacting, and separating the vertebra in a spine having a longitudinal axis, the damaged disc including an annulus having an inner surface ( 73 A), a height (H), and a width (W) and a nucleus comprising nuclear material within the annulus, the nucleus at least partially herniated and extending outwardly through a rupture in the annulus, said method comprising the steps of (a) providing a guide unit; (b) providing a non-inflatable implant comprised of at least a first substantially rigid component (c) moving said implant along said guide unit to insert said first substantially rigid component in the nucleus of the damaged disc intermediate said opposing vertebra while spreading the vertebrae apart