3D Spinal Technology and Artificial Discs

By Mudit Sharma, MD

Virginia Spine Specialists

. http://www.virginiaspinespecialists.com/

More Pain Management & Rehabilitation Articles

3D Spinal Technology and Artificial Discs

Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of lower back pain in the world. Fortunately, most patients with degenerated discs can be treated successfully without surgery. An organized program of physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication can be successful in treating up to 75% of pain episodes arising from disc degeneration.

In a small percentage of patients, the pain from degenerated discs can continue to progress and may need surgical treatment ranging from decompression to replacement of the disc with surgical implants (sometimes also known as “interbody devices”). This is where advances in 3-D printing and robotic and nano-technology are providing some very exciting options for patients.

Up until very recently, these spacers were made of pre-engineered metal or plastic material. There is now a way to 3-D print these spacers to help increase a patient's own bone growth through them. This new technology allows for recruiting a patients' own bone forming proteins to effectively grow a solid replacement bone structure within the degenerated disc space.

Much like making a 3D model of a building or a toy, engineers can now “print” disc spacers that are uniquely suited to a particular disc space and have unique properties to help bone growth. These 3D disc spacers are then placed by neurosurgeons with the same minimally invasive techniques used for placing traditional interbody devices.

There is also a new artificial lumbar disc now available to replace degenerated or collapsed discs in the lumbar spine. This is an especially exciting development for patients with only one collapsed or degenerated disc that needs replacement. By using an artificial disc, the spine pathology can be effectively treated and the risk of putting stress on surrounding discs is minimized. An artificial lumbar disc also helps in preserving the normal motion and architecture of a patient's own spine while treating the diseased portion of it.

If you or someone you know is suffering from back pain, or has degenerated discs, now is the time to ask about the new technologies available.