Nano-Scale Surface Modifications to Advance Current Treatment Options for Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease (CDDD)

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) causes a nagging to severe back pain as well as numbing sensation to the extremities leading to loss of overall patients' height and weakness to leg muscles. Degenerative disc disease is often observed in aging patients as well as patients who have suffered from a back injury. Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease (CDDD) is a progressive condition that leads to the degeneration of the intervertebral discs supporting the cervical vertebral column. Anterior Cervical Interbody Fusion (ACIF) has been the longstanding treatment option for severe degenerative disc disease; however, ACIF presents various novel complications, necessitating numerous comparative device studies to reduce the negative effects of spinal fusion. Cervical disc arthroplasty, the recent focus of clinical attention, was one of the alternatives studied to mitigate the complications associated with vertebral fusion but presents its own disadvantages. These complications prompted further investigation and modifications that can be introduced into these devices. We will be discussing the nano-scale interactions between the implant and extracellular matrix play a crucial role in device integration and efficacy, providing an additional approach towards a device's overall success.