Patent ID: 7867278

Claim:
A method of containing an augmentation material within a weakened disc between two adjacent vertebral bodies to facilitate fusion, comprising: identifying a defect in an anulus fibrosis of an intervertebral disc; inserting one or more solid augmentation materials through and beyond said defect, wherein at least one of said solid augmentation materials is rigid; wherein at least one of said solid augmentation materials is bone; placing said one or more solid augmentation materials against a healthy region of the anulus fibrosis; providing an anchor and a barrier; inserting a barrier through and beyond the defect; positioning the barrier to partially encapsulate said one or more solid augmentation materials, thereby blocking said one or more solid augmentation materials from expulsion through the defect; causing or allowing fibrous or bony ingrowth in or around said one or more solid augmentation materials; positioning said anchor in the defect; and anchoring said barrier to a vertebral endplate.