554 patients who displayed an annular defect width of 6mm or greater, were randomized to undergo discectomy either with or without the application of an annular closer device (Barricade®). The study was conducted in order to determine if the use of this device could considerably reduce the rate of reoperations and reherniations in patients with defects of this size. The findings of this study indicated that the use of an annular closure device resulted in fewer symptomatic reherniations, index level reoperations, and reoperations following reoccurrence. Adverse events were comparable between groups. The results of this interim analysis need to be confirmed upon completion of this trial.