Annulus preserving methods and apparatus for placement of intradiscal devices

Abstract

Devices such as a cylindrical bone dowel removed from a vertebra or other human or animal bone, alive or deceased are used to fill holes formed through a vertebral body. Synthetic nucleus replacements or biologic tissue and/or cells may be inserted through the hole. Single or multiple solid, gel, or liquid devices may be placed into the disc. The material may cure in-situ. The intradiscal device may be inserted an instrument that contains a hollow tube. A hollow tube, including the hollow tube of an insertion tool, may be placed into the hole drilled into the vertebra. Cannulated drill bits may placed over guide wires to drill the hole into the vertebra.

1 . A method of placing an intradiscal device, comprising the steps of: 
 forming a hole through a vertebral body to access an intradiscal space;    placing intradiscal material into the intradiscal space; and    filling the hole formed through the vertebral body with a plug.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the intradiscal device includes one or more solid, gel, or liquid devices.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the intradiscal device cures in situ.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plug is a bone dowel.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plug includes a central threaded or gripping section.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plug includes one or more tapered ends to conform with a vertebral endplate or other bone surface.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plug is conducive to bony ingrowth.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plug is hollow.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the intradiscal material includes a nucleus replacement.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the intradiscal material includes biologic tissue and/or cells.