| abstract |
The present invention provides intervertebral disc nucleus inserts that may fully or partially replace the natural, or native, intervertebral nucleus. The present invention may include a hydrogel bag outer body that includes an interior cavity for introducing a spiral implant device. The hydrogel bag may be introduced through a cannula into the intervertebral space after a cavity of a desired shape and size has been cleared. The combination of the spiral implant resting configuration and the hydrogel bag substantially fills the cavity. The combination of the spiral implant and the hydrogel bag may improve upon 1) implant expulsion or extrusion; 2) implant sizing; 3) implant conformity; and 4) reduction or prevention of bone edema. In further embodiments the hydrogel bag may include an inner and outer layer or two complimentary bags joined into one structure to better distribute the load between the vertebral endplates. |