Artificial Discs
Fabricated discs, also known as disc replacements, are medical devices that are surgically implanted into the spine to replace damaged discs. Discs sit between each vertebra in the spine and act as cushions and shock absorbers. They allow the spine to flex and bend while supporting body weight and movement. As people age or suffer injuries, discs can degenerate or herniate, causing great pain. Fabricated discs provide an alternative to spinal fusion surgery by restoring natural disc motion and preserving spinal mobility.
Early Development of Artificial Discs Technology
The idea of replacing damaged Artificial Discs with artificial implants has been discussed since the 1950s. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the first lumbar disc prostheses were created and implanted in Europe. These early designs were comprised of plastic and metal components. While they aimed to restore disc height and motion, frequent mechanical failures plagued the devices. In the 1990s, new polymeric and metal-on-metal designs emerged with improved biomechanics and durability. Extensive testing in animal models helped advance the technology. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, fabricated discs gained more widespread clinical use in Europe and approval trials began in the United States.
Approved Artificial Disc Devices
Currently, only two artificial disc designs have received FDA approval for use in the United States – the CHARITÉ Artificial Disc and the ProDisc-L Total Disc Replacement. Both are indicated for replacement of a damaged lumbar (lower back) disc between L4-S1 in patients who have not found relief from low back pain through non-surgical treatments. Extensive randomized controlled trials demonstrated their safety and effectiveness compared to spinal fusion. According to manufacturers, over 150,000 patients worldwide have received one of these fabricated discs as of 2019. Their use continues to rise as a motion-preserving alternative to fusion surgery.
Surgical Procedure for Artificial Disc Implantation
The surgical procedure for artificial disc replacement takes 2 to 4 hours depending on individual factors. It is performed under general anesthesia and patients typically spend 1-3 days recovering in the hospital. First, the damaged disc is removed through a small incision, taking care to preserve surrounding bone and soft tissues. Trial implants are used to determine the proper prosthetic size. The endplates of the adjacent vertebrae are prepared with small cutters or drills. Cement may be applied to ensure stable fixation. Guided by fluoroscopy, the artificial disc is inserted into the cleared disc space using instruments. Additional screws, plates or cages can augment fixation as needed. The wound is closed in layers. Post-surgery, patients begin physical therapy to regain mobility while the disc integrates into the spine.
Advantages Over Spinal Fusion Surgery
The main advantage of fabricated discs versus spinal fusion is preserving spinal mobility and range of motion. Fusion surgery fuses two vertebrae together as rigid block, eliminating flexibility at that spinal level. This places greater stress on adjacent unfused segments, potentially leading to further degeneration over time. Fabricated discs aim to restore normal biomechanics and movement after disc removal. They provide shock absorption and flexibility, reducing strain on surrounding tissues. Preserving motion is thought to decrease the chances of adjacent level degeneration that often follows fusion. Patients also tend to get relief from leg and back pain quicker with discs versus fusion, allowing a faster recovery.
Potential Complications and Long-Term Outcomes
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with artificial disc implantation. Common early complications include wound infections, nerve or tissue injuries, blood vessel or organ damage due to improper placement. Later issues can arise from prosthetic breakage, loosening, wear or improper positioning over time. Rarely, the disc may spontaneously fuse around the implant years later. Ongoing studies track long-term outcomes of fabricated discs versus fusion. At 10 years, both continue to show similar pain relief for most patients. However, discs patients maintain a greater range of motion and tend to be less bothered by new pain developing in other spinal segments. Ongoing research strives to further improve implant design and materials while expanding eligibility criteria.
fabricated discs represent an innovative motion-preserving alternative to spinal fusion for treating damaged lumbar discs. Over two decades of development have led to FDA approval of two prominent disc designs. Implantation aims to restore disc height, stability and spinal flexibility lost to degeneration or injury. Preserving motion may help reduce adjacent level degeneration long-term. While risks exist as with any spine surgery, studies show fabricated discs provide durable pain relief on par with fusion while maintaining mobility. As technology and surgical techniques progress, fabricated discs offer hope to more patients seeking non-fusion options for spine care in the future
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.