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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
14:33
Generation, Purification, and Characterization of Cell-invasive DISC1 Protein Species
Published on: August 30, 2012
Retrieval analysis of a ProDisc-L total disc replacement
Theodore J Choma1, Jose Miranda, Ryan Siskey
1Orthopaedic Surgery Department, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA. chomat@health.missouri.edu
Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques
|June 5, 2009
Summary
This study examined a retrieved ProDisc-L total disc replacement, finding minimal wear and polyethylene particles in surrounding tissues. Further research is needed to understand wear and biologic responses in spinal disc replacements.
Area of Science:
- Spinal surgery
- Biomaterials science
- Orthopedic implant analysis
Background:
- The clinical performance of polyethylene in total disc replacements is not well understood.
- The ProDisc-L uses a mechanical locking mechanism for its polyethylene core.
- This is the third explanted ProDisc-L and the first with posterior malpositioning.
Observation:
- A ProDisc-L total disc replacement was retrieved after 16 months.
- The explanted device showed minimal wear, oxidation, and burnishing.
- Periprosthetic tissues contained polyethylene particles and signs of early cell degeneration.
Findings:
- The ProDisc-L locking mechanism functioned properly.
- Minimal wear was observed, likely due to short-term impingement.
- Polyethylene particles were detected in adjacent tissues via microscopy.
Implications:
- Further retrieval studies are necessary to investigate wear patterns.
- Understanding the biologic response to polyethylene particles is crucial.
- This case highlights the importance of analyzing retrieved implants for device performance.
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