Abstract: A method is effective for prophylactically treating discs and facet joints near a spinal section that requires surgery. The method comprises the steps of performing a surgical procedure on a section of a spine, and reinforcing a disc or a facet joint adjacent to the surgically treated area with an effective amount of an injected, in situ curable biocompatible matrix or biocompatible polymeric compound. The procedure delays or prevents the development of permanent or irreversible degenerative changes in the treated disc and/or facet joint, thus offering the spinal surgery patient a higher probability of long-term success for arresting disc and facet joint degeneration and prevention of latent adjacent disc/facet joint problems.

Abstract: A method is effective for treating herniated discs. The method includes (a) surgically remove a herniated portion of disc annulus from a herniated disc, or surgically depressing and holding a herniated portion of disc annulus within original boundaries of the herniated disc, and (b) re-enforcing the surgically treated disc with an effective amount of a biocompatible degradable polymeric compound, such as a fibrin sealant.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering biologic sealant device that includes a pressure monitor coupled to the delivery device to measure pressure within the device. A method of treating a disc using the device as well as a kit including the device is described.

Abstract: An apparatus for percutaneous delivery of a sealant comprising: at least two fluid reservoirs, an introducer needle having a distal tip that is in fluid communication with at least one reservoir, a fluid delivery tube that is in fluid communication with a second reservoir, wherein the fluid delivery tube has a tip and wherein the fluid delivery tube is configured so that the tip of the fluid delivery tube does not extend past the distal tip of the introducer needle during use.

Abstract: A method of treating a disc that is leaking nucleus pulposus through at least one defect in the annulus fibrosus. The method includes injecting a fibrin sealant into the disc to reduce at least a portion of the at least one defect, wherein the fibrin sealant injected into the disc comprises an anesthetic, fibrinogen and an activating compound, wherein at least a portion of the fibrin forms after injection, with the proviso that a corticosteroid is absent from the fibrin sealant injected into the disc.

Abstract: A method of treating a disc that is leaking nucleus pulposus through at least one defect in the annulus fibrosus. The method includes injecting a fibrin sealant into the disc to reduce at least a portion of the at least one defect, wherein the fibrin sealant injected into the disc comprises fibrinogen and an activating compound, wherein at least a portion of the fibrin forms after injection, wherein the fibrinogen, the activating compound or both has been reconstituted with a solution containing at least one additive, with the proviso that a corticosteroid is absent from the fibrin sealant injected into the disc.

Abstract: A method for consumer product promotion through the Internet. A consumer purchases a package containing a consumer product identified by a universal product code and having a package identification number unique to the package. The consumer can access to a Web site to play an Internet game offered therein upon presentation of the package identification number to the Web site if the package identification number satisfies the following two conditions: (1) the format of the package identification number matches a predetermined format, and (2) the package identification number has not been presented yet.

Abstract: A clamp with angular and axial movements which are effected in sequence preferably by means of a single power actuator. The clamping member is mounted within a non-rotatable piston to which it is connected by a pin or ball and inclined cam slot connection whereby axial movement of the piston produces rotary movement of the connecting member which is restrained against axial movement until the rotary movement is completed. Further axial movement of the piston then produces axial movement of the clamping member.