A memory coiling spiral as nucleus pulposus prosthesis: concept, specifications, bench testing, and first clinical results

J Spinal Disord Tech. 2003 Aug;16(4):405-11. doi: 10.1097/00024720-200308000-00013.

Abstract

The intradiscal cavity left after a discectomy can be filled by a new nucleus prosthesis made of polycarbonate urethane in the form of a "memory coiling spiral." Biomechanical tests have demonstrated that this device compensates for the loss of disc height, decreases the compression of the facet joints, and restores the kinematics of the spinal segment, without deformation of the vertebral endplates or migration. The device is currently under clinical investigation. Inclusion and exclusion criteria of the pilot study are presented, and preliminary results of the first five patients supplied with the spiral are reported after an average follow-up time of 24 months. No migration of the device has been observed so far. With its easy application due to the standardized approach and the memory coiling mechanism, this device represents an advance within the nonfusion techniques.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement / instrumentation*
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement / methods
  • Back Pain / etiology
  • Back Pain / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc / diagnostic imaging
  • Intervertebral Disc / surgery
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / complications
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / diagnosis*
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / diagnostic imaging
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / surgery*
  • Joint Prosthesis*
  • Leg
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuralgia / etiology
  • Neuralgia / surgery
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain / surgery
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Radiography
  • Treatment Outcome