EXPANDABLE IMPLANT FOR REPAIRING A DEFECTIVE INTERVERTEBRAL NUCLEUS

摘要

Expandable implants for repairing a nuclear defect of an intervertebral disc, and methods and apparatuses for delivering the same into the disc. The implants generally have a compressed form having a size adapted for insertion into the intervertebral disc, and a composition that allows the implant to expand from the compressed form into an expanded form after the implant is inserted into the nucleus. The expanded form of the implant has a configuration that fills the nuclear defect. The composition used to make the implant can include a shape memory alloy (SMA) or any other suitable material. Various devices can be used to insert the implants into the area being treated.