Patent ID: 7563282

Claim:
A method of supporting and augmenting a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc in a spine comprising: inserting a flexible one-piece biocompatible nucleus augmentation device into the disc space through and entirely beyond a defect in a posterior portion of an anulus; wherein said nucleus augmentation device comprises an anchor, a connection member and a nucleus augmentation material, the nucleus augmentation material being at least partially attached to an anchor; anchoring said nucleus augmentation material to a site within an anterior portion of the anulus or a vertebral body adjacent said anterior portion of the anulus; providing a connection member; wherein the connection member provides stiffness under tension and partially or fully prevents said nucleus augmentation material from migrating farther posterior with respect to the anchor; and wherein the augmentation material comprises a channel or slit that receives the connection member and permits sliding along the connection member.