Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2003; 16(03): 138-144
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1632777
Original Research
Schattauer GmbH

Lumbar intervertebral disc replacement using bioabsorbable self-reinforced poly-L-lactide full-threaded screws, or cylindrical implants of polylactide polymers, bioactive glass and Polyactive™

T. Palmgren
1   Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
,
P. Ylinen
1   Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
2   ORTON Orthopedic Hospital, Invalid Foundation, Helsinki, Finland
,
R.-M. Tulamo
1   Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
3   Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
,
M. Kellomäki
1   Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
4   Institute of Biomaterials, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
,
P. Türmälä
1   Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
4   Institute of Biomaterials, Tampere University of Technology, Tampere, Finland
,
P. Rokkanen
1   Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
› Author Affiliations

The authors would like to thank the Finska Lâkaresâllskapet, the Academy of Finland, the Foundation for Orthopaedical and Traumatological Research in Finland.
Further Information

Publication History

Received 28 March 2002

Accepted 18 October 2002

Publication Date:
22 February 2018 (online)

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Summary

Intervertebral disc surgery leads to changes in the segmental anatomy and mobility, and subsequently to degenerative changes in the lumbar spine. Artificial intervertebral disc implants sufficient to replace the human lumbar intervertebral disc have been developed and the requirements for these defined. This is to our knowledge the first study on bioabsorbable intervertebral disc replacement implants. SR-PLLA screws, previously used in orthopaedic internal fixations, and cylindrical implants, specifially developed for this experimental preliminary study, were used to replace lumbar intervertebral discs of growing pigs. After a 15-week follow-up period, the radiological and histological changes in the intervertebral spaces were analyzed. The cylindrical implants were able to prevent narrowing of discectomied spaces, and tissue regeneration in the intervertebral space was induced and occured simultaneously with degradation of the implant.