Patent ID: 8409284

Claim:
A method of treating an intervertebral disc comprising: identifying a herniated anulus segment protruding outward from a natural border of an intervertebral disc, wherein the herniated anulus segment comprises a defect; implanting a first anchor and a biocompatible support member in the intervertebral disc; positioning said first anchor such that at least a portion of said first anchor is in contact with an innermost surface of the anulus at a first location adjacent the defect in said anulus; positioning said biocompatible support member such that at least a portion of said biocompatible support member is in contact with the innermost surface of the anulus at a second location adjacent the defect in said anulus; connecting said first anchor and said biocompatible support member with a suture; and applying tension and tightening said suture, thereby substantially closing said defect and maintaining the natural border of the intervertebral disc.