CHITOSAN-BASED BIOPOLYMER SYSTEM FOR TREATING DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE

摘要

The invention provides a method of treating degenerative disc disease and discogenic pain by disposing a hydrogel tissue sealant within the intervertebral disc, where the hydrogel fills voids and tears in the annulus fibrosus and replaces leaked material from the nucleus pulposus. The hydrogel is formed in situ from a substantially liquid premix, which can be emplaced with a syringe needle or a catheter into the intervertebral disc, where it forms the hydrogel by gelation. The hydrogel can also include a therapeutic or a protective material, or a radiopaque or MRI-active agent to aid in visualization.