Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
Chronic Implantation of Multiple Flexible Polymer Electrode Arrays
Published on: October 4, 2019
[Keel-implants: Activ-L]
1Abteilung für Wirbelsäulenchirurgie, Hessingpark-Clinic, Augsburg, Germany. karsten.wiechert@hessingpark-clinic.de
Unlabelled:
Due to its modular design, the Activ-L total disc replacement (B. Braun/Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany) allows for a flexible anchoring concept either with spikes or one or two keels. It has a semiconstraint design which allows for some movement of a UHMWPE inlay. The minimal invasive surgical technique is highly standardized. Early clinical results are comparable to established disc-replacement devices.
Objective:
Aim of the surgery is lasting pain relief and complete restauration of segmental mobility without affection of adjacent motion segments.
Indications:
Mono- or multisegmental lumbar disc degeneration leading to low-back pain, refractory to conservative treatment.
Contraindications:
Infections of vertebra or disc-space, fractures, prior fusion surgery of the affected motion segments, malignancy, osteoporosis, metabolic bone disease, severe conditions affecting general health, conditions prohibitive for anterior abdominal surgery, unclear or non-discogenic low-back-pain.
Surgical Technique:
Minimal-invasive anterior approach to the lumbar spine, removal of nucleus and cartilagenous endplates, sizing with trial implant, decision about spike or keel anchoring concept, implantation of prosthesis, x ray-control, wound closure.
Postoperative Management:
Bed-rest for 6 hours, stabilizing physiotherapy 3 weeks postoperative.
Results:
Level-3 evidence shows early clinical results comparable with published data from previous implants, particle wear of inlay is significantly lower, possibly due to different testing protocols.
