Patent ID: 7998213

Claim:
A method of restricting motion of a weakened segment of an anulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc of a functional spine unit, the method comprising: identifying a weakened segment of an anulus fibrosus, wherein the weakened segment contains a defect, wherein the weakened segment comprises a herniated segment that protrudes beyond a pre-herniated border of the disc; providing a bone anchor; providing a biocompatible support member; positioning the biocompatible support member to, within, or posterior to the weakened segment without resecting the herniated segment; securing the bone anchor within a portion of a functional spine unit; connecting the bone anchor and the biocompatible support member with a connection member; applying tension between the bone anchor and the biocompatible support member along the connection member, wherein said tension is sufficient to cause the protruded herniated segment to return to a pre-herniated position, and wherein said tension maintains the pre-herniated position.