Spinal stabilization devices and their methods of
insertion and use to treat degenerated
lumbar, thoracic or cervical spinal discs in minimally invasive, outpatient procedures are described. In one embodiment, the spinal stabilization device is an
expandable cage made of a coil or perforated
cylindrical tube with a bulbous or bullet-shaped distal end and a flat or rounded proximal end. In a preferred embodiment, the spinal stabilization device is mechanically expanded to a larger
diameter or is made of a superelastic
nickel-
titanium alloy which is thermally programmed to expand to a relatively larger
diameter when a pre-determined
transition temperature below body temperature is reached. To treat a degenerated disc, a guide wire is inserted into the disc and an
endoscope is inserted through a posterolateral puncture in the back and advanced up to the
facet of the spine. Mechanical tools or
laser energy, under endoscopic
visualization, are used to remove or vaporize a portion of the
facet bone, creating an opening into the foraminal space in the spine for
insertion of an
endoscope, which enables the disc,
vertebra and nerves to be seen. The passageway is expanded, mechanical tools or
laser of RF energy are used to make a tunnel into the disc, and a delivery cannula is inserted up to the opening of the tunnel. An
insertion tool is used to insert one or more spinal stabilization devices into the tunnel in the disc, preserving the mobility of the spine, while maintaining the proper space between the
vertebra.
Laser or
radio frequency (RF) energy is used to coagulate bleeding, vaporize or remove debris and shrink the annulus of the disc to close, at least partially, the tunnel made in the disc.