Devices and methods for fixing defects in the anulus fibrosus (vertebral disc) of a patient are described. The devices include a mesh patch, and first and second suture assemblies, each of which include an anchor and a suture. The anchor has a first portion adapted to be inserted into a bone and a second portion having an opening therethrough. The suture is adapted to be disposed through the opening and has a first end is adapted to couple to the mesh patch. The method of treatment includes inserting the first portion of the first anchor into a cranial vertebra and inserting the second portion of the second anchor into a caudal vertebra. The first ends of the sutures are attached to the mesh patch. The mesh patch is positioned adjacent the defect by pulling on, or applying tension to, the second ends of the sutures.

According to some embodiments of the invention, an intervertebral disc replacement includes a first layer having a lower surface for contacting a first vertebral bone, a second layer coupled to the first layer, the second layer comprising a plurality of compressible column springs, and a third layer coupled to the second layer, the third layer having an upper surface for contacting a second vertebral bone. Each of the plurality of compressible column springs comprises a plurality of stacked coils, and each of the plurality of stacked coils has a spring constant (K). At least one of the plurality of compressible column springs includes a first coil having a first spring constant and a second coil comprising a second spring constant, wherein the first spring constant is different from the second spring constant.

According to some embodiments of the invention, an intervertebral disc replacement includes a first layer having a lower surface for contacting a first vertebral bone, a second layer coupled to the first layer, the second layer comprising a plurality of compressible column springs, and a third layer coupled to the second layer, the third layer having an upper surface for contacting a second vertebral bone. Each of the plurality of compressible column springs comprises a plurality of stacked coils, and each of the plurality of stacked coils has a spring constant (K). At least one of the plurality of compressible column springs includes a first coil having a first spring constant and a second coil comprising a second spring constant, wherein the first spring constant is different from the second spring constant.

According to some embodiments of the invention, an intervertebral disc replacement includes a first layer having a lower surface for contacting a first vertebral bone, a second layer coupled to the first layer, the second layer comprising a plurality of compressible column springs, and a third layer coupled to the second layer, the third layer having an upper surface for contacting a second vertebral bone. Each of the plurality of compressible column springs comprises a plurality of stacked coils, and each of the plurality of stacked coils has a spring constant (K). At least one of the plurality of compressible column springs includes a first coil having a first spring constant and a second coil comprising a second spring constant, wherein the first spring constant is different from the second spring constant.

Inflatable multi-chambered devices are provided for repairing or replacing spinal discs and distracting neighboring vertebral elements. Also included are cushioning devices that may be used in a joint replacement device cushioning system. Further included are kits and systems that include such devices, methods for making such devices, and methods of treating patients in need of such devices. Examples further include cosmetic augmentation and restoration devices.

Inflatable multi-chambered devices are provided for repairing or replacing spinal discs and distracting neighboring vertebral elements. Also included are cushioning devices that may be used in a joint replacement device cushioning system. Further included are kits and systems that include such devices, methods for making such devices, and methods of treating patients in need of such devices. Examples further include cosmetic augmentation and restoration devices.

According to some embodiments of the invention, an intervertebral disc replacement includes a first layer having a lower surface for contacting a first vertebral bone, a second layer coupled to the first layer, the second layer comprising a plurality of compressible column springs, and a third layer coupled to the second layer, the third layer having an upper surface for contacting a second vertebral bone. Each of the plurality of compressible column springs comprises a plurality of stacked coils, and each of the plurality of stacked coils has a spring constant (K). At least one of the plurality of compressible column springs includes a first coil having a first spring constant and a second coil comprising a second spring constant, wherein the first spring constant is different from the second spring constant.