Patent ID: 7220281
Filing Date: 2007-05-22
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. An implant for reinforcing an annulus of an intervertebral disc, comprising: a barrier having a first surface for placement against an interior surface of an annulus lamella and a second opposing surface, wherein said barrier is adapted to be sealably positioned against the lamella via the exertion of force on at least a portion of the second surface sustained by a pressurized intervertebral disc environment; wherein the barrier has a length corresponding to at least the length of the posterior annulus and a height corresponding to at least the distance between opposing vertebral endplates adjacent the intervertebral disc, wherein a natural flow or egress of material from the nucleus to the anulus occurs along a longitudinal axis, wherein said longitudinal access is parallel to the height of said barrier; wherein said material comprises endogenous nucleus pulposus or prosthetic augmentation material; wherein said barrier has a thickness in a range of about 0.025 mm to about 2.5 mm; wherein said barrier provides a seal and comprises a rigidity that prevents natural flow or egress of material beyond said barrier along said longitudinal axis, wherein said barrier closes or barricades the area to be sealed to recreate the closed isobaric environment of a healthy disc nucleus; wherein said length is greater than said height; wherein the implant has a pre-formed concavity and is thereby inherently concave along at least a portion of said length; and wherein the barrier comprises an enlarger,