IMPLANT FOR REPAIRING SPINAL ANNULAR DEFECT, METHOD OF FABRICATING THE IMPLANT, AND METHOD OF REPAIRING THE DEFECT USING THE IMPLANT

摘要

A biocompatible implant, as well as method of fabricating the implant and repairing an annular defect in annulus fibrosus (AF) of an intervertebral disc (IVD) disposed in a functional spinal unit (FSU), includes an insert that provides faces that can interface with the defect to repair or treat the AF. The implant can deliver biological and mechanical factors to enhance healing in an annular defect and prevent recurrence of herniation symptoms. The implant can be fabricated using a hybrid of first fibrous scaffold structure including at least a first layer and a second layer of first fibers fabricated via three-dimensional fiber deposition (3FD) and second fibrous scaffold structure including a third layer and a fourth layer of second fibers formed via melt electrowriting (MEW). Suitable attachment methods, including bio-adhesives can be used to bond the implant to the IVD and/or FSU.