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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
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Surgical Technique for the Implantation of a Biomimetic Artificial Intervertebral Disc in a Goat Animal Model
Published on: October 10, 2025
A historical review and current perspective on the intervertebral disc prosthesis
Durgadas P Sakalkale1, Sarjoo A Bhagia, Curtis W Slipman
1PGY III Resident, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Medicine, Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
Pain Physician
|August 3, 2006
Summary
Spinal fusion for degenerative disc disease has risks. Artificial disc research aims to improve treatments, but outcomes are variable, necessitating further study for better patient results.
Area of Science:
- Spine surgery
- Biomedical engineering
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Spinal fusion for degenerative disc disease presents significant side effects, including infection and adjacent segment degeneration.
- The development of artificial disc prostheses is inspired by successful joint replacements, but current designs have limitations.
- Degenerative disc disease progresses through distinct stages: dysfunction, instability, and stabilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the natural history and diagnostic methods for degenerative disc disease.
- To explore anatomical and biomechanical considerations for artificial disc design.
- To evaluate the evolution, design criteria, and clinical outcomes of artificial disc prostheses.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical and anatomical data on degenerative disc disease progression.
- Analysis of diagnostic tools, including magnetic resonance imaging and discography.
- Examination of proposed design criteria for intervertebral prostheses.
- Evaluation of the evolution and clinical outcomes of total disc and nucleus replacements.
Main Results:
- Discography is the most accurate diagnostic test for identifying the pain-generating disc level.
- Multiple design criteria for ideal intervertebral prostheses have been proposed.
- Artificial disc technology has evolved into total disc replacement and nucleus pulposus replacement.
- Clinical outcomes for current artificial disc replacements remain variable.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to improve artificial disc technology and clinical outcomes.
- Understanding the natural history and biomechanics is crucial for designing effective disc prostheses.
- Artificial disc development aims to mitigate the risks associated with spinal fusion for degenerative disc disease.
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