An alternative to the total replacement of the intervertebral disc is the replacement of the nucleus of the disc.
In a healthy intervertebral disc, the inner nucleus has the function of a sponge, absorbing the pressure exerted on the spine. The purpose of the procedure is to relieve pain and restore the mechanical properties normally assured by a healthy intervertebral disc.
In nucleus replacement procedure, the jelly-like material of the intervertebral disc is replaced with an artificial biocompatible material.
Overall, this technology is still under investigation and its effectiveness is not proved yet.
Surgery: the steps.
- You will be given general anesthesia
- Your surgeon will dissect a small incision on the annulus (external part of the disc)
- The nucleus’ material of the degenerated disc is removed, and it is replaced with the biocompatible implant.
- Your surgeon will suture the little incision performed in the annulus.
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