A Biodegradable Polymeric Matrix for the Repair of Annulus Fibrosus Defects in Intervertebral Discs.

Background: Tissue defects in the annulus fibrosus (AF) due to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration or after nucleodiscectomy have little self-healing capacity. To prevent progressive degeneration of the IVD, the AF must be repaired. Biological closure has not yet been achieved and is a challenge for the research community.