Patent ID: 7914553

Claim:
A method for treating an annulus fibrosis having an outer layer, at least one inner layer, a defect having an opening and extending through the outer and inner layers, a first region of annulus fibrosis adjacent the defect in a first direction, and a second region of the annulus fibrosis adjacent the defect in a direction generally opposite the first direction, the method comprising the steps of: providing first and second elongate fastening members, each having a first end, a second end, and an anchor on the first end that is substantially transverse when deployed; inserting the first end of the first elongate fastening member through the outer layer and at least one inner layer of the first region; inserting the first end of the second elongate fastening member through the outer layer and at least one inner layer of the second region; and linking the second end of the first elongate fastening member to the second end of the second elongate fastening member, wherein the opening of the defect is reduced in size by the step of linking the second end of the first elongate fastening member to the second end of the second elongate fastening member.