	US 7,553,330 B2
	Methods of reinforcing an intervertebral disc annulus
Gregory H. Lambrecht, Natick, Mass. (US); Robert Kevin Moore, Natick, Mass. (US); Thomas Banks, Santa Barbara, Calif. (US); Russel J. Redmond, Goleta, Calif. (US); and Claude A. Vidal, Santa Barbara, Calif. (US)
Assigned to Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc., Woburn, Mass. (US)
Filed on Aug. 22, 2006, as Appl. No. 11/508,068.
Application 11/508068 is a continuation of application No. 10/237360, filed on Sep. 05, 2002, granted, now 7,094,258.
Application 10/237360 is a continuation of application No. 09/696636, filed on Oct. 25, 2000, granted, now 6,508,839, filed on Jan. 21, 2003.
Application 09/696636 is a continuation in part of application No. 09/642450, filed on Aug. 18, 2000, granted, now 6,482,235, filed on Nov. 19, 2002.
Application 09/642450 is a continuation in part of application No. 09/608797, filed on Jun. 30, 2000, granted, now 6,425,919, filed on Jul. 30, 2002.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/172996, filed on Dec. 21, 1999.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/161085, filed on Oct. 25, 1999.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/149490, filed on Aug. 18, 1999.
Prior Publication US 2006/0282167 A1, Dec. 14, 2006
Int. Cl. A61F 2/44 (2006.01)

U.S. Cl. 623—17.16 [606/246; 623/17.11]

21 Claims

1. A method of reinforcing an annulus of an intervertebral disc comprising:

identifying a pre-existing defect in the annulus; wherein the defect is bordered by an outermost layer of the annulus and an innermost layer of the annulus, the method comprising:

providing a biocompatible support member; and

implanting the biocompatible support member along an innermost surface of the annulus without removing a substantial portion of the nucleus pulposus;

positioning said biocompatible support member entirely beyond said defect;

positioning said biocompatible support member to span said defect, thereby closing said defect and minimizing leakage of a naturally-occurring nucleus pulposus material into the defect;

anchoring the biocompatible support member;

wherein said biocompatible support member extends entirely along the innermost layer of the annulus, and

wherein said biocompatible support member is positioned in front of said defect and disposed against said innermost layer, thereby reinforcing the annulus.