The present invention provides an injectable annular ring useful in
treating a deteriorating spinal disc. When used, the annular ring may be
collapsed or folded in order for it to be placed through a small opening
in a prepared intervertebral space within the annulus using minimally
invasive techniques. Deployment or unfolding the ring in the
intervertebral space provides an interior cavity bordered by the ring
that is in direct contact with the vertebral endplates. When an internal
volume of the ring is inject or filled with a load-bearing, hardenable
material, the filled ring maintains the intervertebral spacing and
prevents the ring from being expelled from the interior cavity through
the small annular opening.