Abstract: A set of styli comprised of a shaped memory or elastic metal are disclosed wherein each stylus has a different preformed curvatures for use with a cutting device for performing a selective discectomy. The device is inserted at a point chosen from contralateral, anterior or anterolateral relative to a herniation site. Once the cutting device is inserted its cutting window is moved to the desired position by inserting a first stylus having an appropriate curvature and moving the device, removing the stylus, inserting a second stylus with a different curvature relative to the first stylus before or after moving the device. By using a plurality of styli with different curvatures and using positioning movements the cutting window is positioned at the site of herniation and a selective discectomy is carried out.

Abstract: Device and method are provided for diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries to the spine by injecting drugs into the diseased or injured area. The device and method of the subject invention provide improvements to patient and operator safety, along with ease-of-use and convenience improvements over conventional techniques.

Abstract: Device and method are provided for diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries to the spine by injecting drugs into the diseased or injured area. The device and method of the subject invention provide improvements to patient and operator safety, along with ease-of-use and convenience improvements over conventional techniques.

Abstract: Device and method are provided for diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries to the spine by injecting drugs into the diseased or injured area. The device and method of the subject invention provide improvements to patient and operator safety, along with ease-of-use and convenience improvements over conventional techniques.

Abstract: Device and method are provided for diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries to the spine by injecting drugs into the diseased or injured area. The device and method of the subject invention provide improvements to patient and operator safety, along with ease-of-use and convenience improvements over conventional techniques.

Abstract: Intervertebral disc implants are provided for augmenting the annulus of the disc in a manner to bear at least part of the axial and/or torsional load on the annulus so that rents, fissures and subsequent herniation of the disc are prevented or substantially delayed. An aspect of the subject devices is that they have an operative height dimension that is equal to or less than the disc height of a normally functioning, healthy disc. Methods and tools are also provided for the minimally invasive implantation of the device within an intervertebral disc.

Abstract: A cutting device for performing a selective discectomy is disclosed along with a method for using the device whereby the device is inserted into the intervertebral disc at a point contralateral, anterior, or anterolateral to a site of herniation. The device includes a shaft with a cutting mechanism at its distal end. Control wire(s) attached to either or both shafts may be used to position cutting components and perform the discectomy.

Abstract: Device and method are provided for diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries to the spine by injecting drugs into-the diseased or injured area. The device and method of the subject invention provide improvements to patient and operator safety, along with ease-of-use and convenience improvements over conventional techniques.

Abstract: Device and method are provided for diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries to the spine by injecting drugs into the diseased or injured area. The device and method of the subject invention provide improvements to patient and operator safety, along with ease-of-use and convenience improvements over conventional techniques.

Abstract: A set of styli comprised of a shaped memory or elastic metal are disclosed wherein each stylus has a different preformed curvatures for use with a cutting device for performing a selective discectomy. The device is inserted at a point chosen from contralateral, anterior or anterolateral relative to a herniation site. Once the cutting device is inserted its cutting window is moved to the desired position by inserting a first stylus having an appropriate curvature and moving the device, removing the stylus, inserting a second stylus with a different curvature relative to the first stylus before or after moving the device. By using a plurality of styli with different curvatures and using positioning movements the cutting window is positioned at the site of herniation and a selective discectomy is carried out.

Abstract: A method for performing a selective discectomy is disclosed whereby a path for insertion of a tissue removal device is created by inserting a cannula with a flexible distal end position into an intervertebral disc by entering the nucleus at a point contralateral or anterolateral to a herniation site or entering anterior or anterolateral relative to the herniation site. The path is followed by a cutting device with a cutting window and either or both of the cannula or cutting device may be positioned at a site of herniation using all of any of control wires, a set of styli, viewable markings on a component and/or visualization devices.