The Injection of Gels Through an Intact Annulus Maintains Biomechanical Performance without Extrusion Risk.
Hans-Joachim Wilke1, Holger Fuchs1, Karin Benz2,3
1Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Centre for Trauma Research Ulm, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 26, 2024
Summary
In situ solidifying gels were injected into degenerated discs, showing stable gel retention and potential as scaffolds for cell transplantation in disc regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Spine Biomechanics
Background:
- Intervertebral disc degeneration is a major cause of low back pain.
- Autologous-disc-derived chondrocyte transplantation (ADCT) requires suitable scaffolds for cell delivery.
- In situ forming hydrogels offer potential as injectable scaffolds for disc repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the biomechanical stability and retention of two in situ solidifying hydrogels injected into degenerated intervertebral discs.
- To assess the potential of these gels as scaffolds for cell delivery in disc regeneration therapies.
Main Methods:
- In vitro biomechanical study using bovine lumbar motion segments.
- Injection of two distinct crosslinked gels (gelatine and albumin-hyaluronic acid) into degenerated discs.
- Evaluation of disc height changes, motion characteristics, and gel extrusion risk under quasi-static and dynamic multi-axial loading (100,000 cycles).
Main Results:
- Gels solidified in situ, achieving a disc height increase of approximately 0.3 mm.
- No gel extrusion was observed during 100,000 loading cycles.
- Macroscopic inspection confirmed gel accumulation in the nucleus pulposus, indicating stable retention.
Conclusions:
- Injectable, in situ solidifying gels can be stably maintained within the nucleus pulposus of degenerated intervertebral discs.
- These gels demonstrate potential as effective scaffolds for anchoring therapeutic cells for disc regeneration.
