Nucleus pulposus implants that are resistant to migration in and/or
expulsion from an intervertebral disc space are provided. In one form of
the invention, an implant includes a load bearing elastic body surrounded
in the disc space by an anchoring, preferably resorbable, biocompatible
material which may be in the form of an outer shell. In certain forms of
the invention, the elastic body is surrounded by a supporting member,
such as a band or jacket, and the supporting member is surrounded by the
outer shell. Kits for forming such implants are also provided. In another
form of the invention, an implant is provided that has locking features
and optional shape memory characteristics. In yet another aspect of the
invention, nucleus pulposus implants are provided that have shape memory
characteristics and are configured to allow short-term manual, or other
deformation without permanent deformation, cracks, tears, breakage or
other damage. Methods of forming and implanting the implants are also
described, as are delivery devices and components thereof for delivering
the implants.