Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation: Annular Closure Devices and Key Design Requirements
Alexandra Alcántara Guardado1, Alexander Baker2, Andrew Weightman1
1School of Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 24, 2022
Summary
This review examines mechanical devices for closing the annulus fibrosus after lumbar disc surgery. It proposes design specifications to improve reherniation rates and spinal biomechanics.
Area of Science:
- Spine surgery
- Biomedical engineering
- Degenerative spinal conditions
Background:
- Lumbar disc herniation is a common cause of lower back pain and sciatica.
- Microdiscectomy is a prevalent surgical technique, but leaves a defect in the annulus fibrosus.
- This defect can lead to reherniation and altered spinal biomechanics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current mechanical annular closure devices.
- To establish design specifications for future annular closure strategies.
- To identify key mechanical and biological parameters for device development.
Main Methods:
- Review of commercially available annular closure devices (e.g., AnchorKnot, Barricaid).
- Analysis of existing literature on biomaterials and annular repair strategies.
- Identification of critical design parameters for mechanical closure.
Main Results:
- Current devices aim to mechanically close the annulus fibrosus defect.
- Previous research focused on biomimetic approaches, with limited clinical translation.
- Design specifications are needed for effective and clinically viable annular closure.
Conclusions:
- Mechanical annular closure is crucial for reducing reherniation after microdiscectomy.
- A comprehensive design specification is required for successful device development.
- Further research should focus on integrating mechanical and biological repair strategies.
