Page 33 - PCH Magazine Issue Jan export v3

Artificial Disc replacement surgery or ADR when designing the new discs.

is a procedure which doctors remove a herniated or oated with titanium and hydroxyapatite porous to
damaged disc and replace it with an artificial disc. maximize osseointegration (the direct connection
This procedure allows you to maintain mobility between the bone and implant). This implant is
in your back. It is a common alternative to spinal still used today and has a 3-part component setup.

fusion and an excellent choice for someone who It is designed to imitate a regular disc to maintain
participates in sports. ADR also helps prevent movement in the spine. The Charité has a total of 5
adjacent disc degeneration. anchoring teeth to fixate the disc into place. These
The first disc replacement performed was teeth help prevent disc migration.
in late 1950s by Swedish doctor Ulf Fernstrom. When implanting the disc, the teeth are pressed
The procedure involved implanting a steel ball to into the lower and upper vertebrae. Over time the

replace the damaged disc. The steel balls’ purpose surrounding bone will grow over the plates. This
was to maintain the disc space, height, and will secure the artificial disc more. The Charité also
motion. Unfortunately, the procedure failed due maintains the disc space to prevent spinal collapse.
to excessive compressive load concentration with The disc can maintain mobility because of its core.

subsident into the subchondral bone. Even though This core is made up of polyethylene, a very dense
the procedure failed it kick started research on material and is located between the two plates.
better artificial disc designs. Researchers often
looked towards knee and hip implants for reference

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