Methods and apparatus for placing intradiscal devices

Abstract

An osteotomy of a portion of a vertebral endplate and/or vertebral body allows for easier insertion of a device that fits tightly into a disc space. A different aspect of the invention resides in a mechanical device to hold the osteotomized portion of the vertebra against the vertebral body after the intradiscal device is placed. The device may be removed after the pieces of vertebra heal and fuse together.

1 - 7 . (canceled)  
   
   
       8 . A method of placing an intradiscal device into an intradiscal space between upper and lower vertebral bodies, at least the upper body having an endplate with a concave central section and a periphery, the method comprising the steps of: 
 truncating or removing a portion of the periphery of the vertebral body without disturbing the central section to facilitate the introduction of an intradiscal device into the intradiscal space; and    reattaching the truncated portion or attaching a bony substitute of a similar size and shape as the truncated portion to the truncated or removed section of the vertebral body.    
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , further including the step of providing a device for securing the attached or reattached portion of vertebral body.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , further including the step of removing the device after the attached or reattached portion fuses to the vertebral body.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the truncated or removed portion includes a part of an annulus fibrosis.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the bony material is autograft or allograft.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein: 
 a portion of both the upper and lower vertebral bodies are truncated or removed; and    a dam material is used between the attachments.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the dam material is flexible.  
   
   
       15 . A method of placing an intradiscal device into an intradiscal space between upper and lower vertebral bodies, each body having a section on opposing sides of the intradiscal space, the method comprising the steps of: 
 truncating or removing at least a portion of the section of one or both of the upper and lower vertebral bodies;    inserting an intradiscal device into the intradiscal space;    providing pieces of bony material which approximate each removed portion;    attaching each piece to a respective one of the vertebral bodies where the portions were removed.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , further including the step of providing a device for securing each piece to its respective vertebral body.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , further including the step of removing the device after the piece fuses to the vertebral body.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the bony material is autograft or allograft.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein: 
 a portion of both the upper and lower vertebral bodies are truncated or removed; and    a dam material is used between the attached pieces.    
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the dam material is flexible.