Repair of Denucleated Intervertebral Discs

A biomechanical study has shown that the application of a protein hydrogel can restore a denucleated interdiscal void to normal height and compressibility, restoring normal spine function and potentially eliminating lower back pain. The results were presented at the 14th Annual Meeting of the International Intradiscal Therapy Society in Phoenix (AZ, USA).

Denucleation of intervertebral discs is a common treatment for lower back pain that involves the surgical removal of damaged or diseased disc materials, resulting in motion destabilization and progressive reduction in disc height. A device called BioDisc containing a protein hydrogel is injected in fluid form into the denucleated disc space and serves as a pliable support solid to restore disc height and stability while preserving motion. BioDisc employs a minimally invasive delivery system incorporating a dual-chamber applicator that allows a surgeon to inject the biomaterial into the void created by the removal of disc materials.

BioDisc was developed by CryoLife, Inc. (Kennesaw, GA, USA). Phase I of the biomechanical study concluded that the application of the technology will produce the desired results. Phase II animal studies are currently under way and are expected to be completed in the fall. "The commercial introduction of BioDisc would represent a major advancement in spinal disc surgical technology and offer orthopedic surgeons and their patients a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to current disc repair methods,” said Steven G. Anderson, president and CEO of CryoLife.




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