NuCore disk augmentation after disectomy

[Jason B]

I'm very excited about some of the new technology coming down the pipe in regards to degnerative disk disease and often peruse the Internet for info on hydrogels, gene therapy, etc. I came across the following article which sounded promising. Very small sample, but none the less promising.

http://www.ecmjournal.org/journal/supplements/vol011sup...hydrogel%20lumbar%22

Are there other ADR forum users such as myself waiting for a much less invasive procedure considering some of the emerging technology?

[Alastair]

I understand that the next prostheses that is going to come to America is the Freedom disk, there's not much about it on the web as yet but the manufacturers say that trials are going to start in the USA soon.

We have one surgeon about 50 miles away from where I live who is starting trials in the next few weeks.

I'm not always overenthusiastic about new prostheses, I'm a great believer in "do what works and has worked in the past"
Best,
Alastair

[Harrison]

It's an interesting approach to consider for certain conditions, see the CT company's web site too:

http://www.spinewave.com/products/nucore.html

[Jason B]

I understand the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" mantra, but if we applied that reasoning to medicine we might still be sealing wounds with a white hot knife....

I'm a huge proponent of minimally invasive procedures. I'm really hoping I can keep my DDD in check long enough to realize the benefit of a technology such as that in this thread.

[sahuaro]

This is indeed exciting--thank you Jason for posting this. It will be interesting to see how long the hydrogel stands up and whether it's possible to have "booster shots." I hope it is tested on cervical disks as well.