METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTERVERTEBAL DISC EXPANSION

摘要

An intervertebral disc is expanded and injected by forming and dilating an opening in the disc annulus and introducing an inflatable member into the disc nucleus pulposus. The inflatable member location within the nucleus pulposus is verified and the inflatable member is gradually inflated for augmenting a space in the nucleus pulposus. The internal pressure and expansion of the inflatable member are monitored. The inflatable member is subsequently deflated and a biomaterial is injected into the augmented space.