Abstract: The present invention describes methods for treating a degenerative intervertebral disc disorder comprising implanting a disc stabilization device into a subject and administering at least one therapeutic agent which promotes healing of the disc to the subject. The invention also includes methods of promoting healing of damaged or degenerated intervertebral discs comprising decreasing the load of the disc through a disc stabilization device and inhibiting the inflammatory process. Also described are hydrogels for use in combination with extradiscal stabilization devices, as intradiscal stabilization devices, as drug carriers, and as combinations thereof.

Abstract: A medicine delivery system (10) implantable into a human or animal body includes a medicine delivery unit (14) and a control unit (12). A membrane (26) seals the delivery opening (22) of a medicine compartment (18) and is pre-stressed by an amount less than the predetermined elastic deformation and rupture point limits of the membrane (26). A release element (28) associated with compartment (18) causes the membrane (26) to be stressed beyond the deformation and rupture point limits in response to a control signal (78). Release element (28) ruptures the membrane (26) along a predetermined rupture pattern to permit a first membrane portion (35), forming a hinged lid, to separate from a second membrane portion (37) along the predetermined rupture pattern while remaining attached to the second membrane portion at a hinge (39).

Abstract: A medicine delivery system (10) implantable into a human or animal body includes a medicine delivery unit (14) and a control unit (12). A membrane (26) seals the delivery opening (22) of a medicine compartment (18) and is pre-stressed by an amount less than the predetermined elastic deformation and rupture point limits of the membrane (26). A release element (28) associated with compartment (18) causes the membrane (26) to be stressed beyond the deformation and rupture point limits in response to a control signal (78). Release element (28) ruptures the membrane (26) along a predetermined rupture pattern to permit a first membrane portion (35), forming a hinged lid, to separate from a second membrane portion (37) along the predetermined rupture pattern while remaining attached to the second membrane portion at a hinge (39).