Randomized Study of Anular Repair With the Xclose Tissue Repair System

Inclusion Criteria: * Candidate for a one or two level discectomy * Positive imaging evidence of intervertebral disc herniation at location corresponding to patient's radicular signs or symptoms * Anular tear or slit incision and additionally deemed to include sufficient tissue for tissue reapproximation * Persistent and predominant radicular pain * Pre-operative leg pain score \> 4.0 cm on a 10 cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) * Leg pain unresponsive to conservative treatment (physical therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medical therapy) for 6 or more weeks; exception, individuals suffering from acute and uncontrollable severe leg pain * Patient is willing and able to comply with study requirements; willing and able to sign a study-specific, informed consent form, complete necessary study paperwork and return for required follow-up visits. Exclusion Criteria: * Age less than 18 years * Prior or planned surgical procedure intended to fuse or stabilize the lumbar spine * Previous surgery involving index level * Cauda Equina Syndrome * Evidence of severe disc degeneration * Greater than Grade I spondylolisthesis or retrolisthesis at the affected level * No apparent anular defect and no indication to open the anulus at time of procedure * Active local or systemic infection * Active malignancy or other significant medical co-morbidities * Current chemical dependency or significant emotional and/or psychosocial disturbance that would impact treatment outcome or study participation * Patient or legal guardians who are unwilling or unable to cooperate or give written informed consent * Women who are pregnant or with child bearing potential and who are not on a reliable form of birth control * Current fracture, tumor and/or deformity (\> 15° of lumbar scoliosis, using Cobb measuring technique) of the spine * Documented history of allergy or intolerance to PET * Patient is currently enrolled in other research that could confound the results of the study.