Annulus-reinforcing band

Abstract

A pliable band or hoop that is flexible to normal handling, but cannot stretch circumferentially once it has reached the limits of its circumferential length. The band may have a structural portal to be used for filling, or it may simply be constructed of a fabric-like material that allows a fill tube to perforate its walls to allow for filling. In the latter case, the perforated wall tends to self-seal once the fill tube is withdrawn. The band may be flat or tubular in cross-section. However, unlike a balloon, the band does not require either a bottom or a top, as we found that a top and bottom are unnecessary when using a band or hoop to enclose material injected into a reamed out intervertebral space.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for repairing or replacing the nucleus of a spinal intervertebral disc, the method comprising:
 providing a generally flexible walled mesh member sized to fit and expand transversely into a hollowed region of an intervertebral space, the mesh member comprising an inner circumferential wall and an outer circumferential wall, the inner circumferential wall defining an open interior space, the mesh member including an opening through which fill material may be introduced into the open interior space, the mesh member constructed and arranged to expand from a reduced state to an expanded state by the introduction of fill material into the open interior space;   inserting the mesh member into the intervertebral space;   inserting the fill material into the open interior space of the mesh member through the inner circumferential wall; and   inserting fill material into the interior space of the mesh member such that the filled interior space provides additional strength and radial support to the intervertebral disc.   
     
     
         2 . A method for repairing or replacing the nucleus of a spinal intervertebral disc, comprising:
 inserting a mesh body into an intervertebral space, mesh body including an inner circumferential wall defining an open interior space unbounded above and below the open interior space;   inserting a first fill material into a center opening of the mesh body defined by an inner circumferential wall; and   inserting a second fill material into the center opening of the mesh body.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the first fill material and the second fill material are the same. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising overlapping multiple fabric layers to form the circumferential wall. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising deploying the mesh member via a delivery device. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the step of inserting a first fill material into the open interior space of the mesh member includes inserting a tapered end of a fill tool into the open interior space, thereby pushing aside a plurality of fibers comprising the inner circumferential wall.