Computer Aided Tissue Engineering for the Design and Evaluation of Lumbar-Spine Arthroplasty

AbstractDegeneration of the intervertebral disc with age has been shown to be a significant source of pain and discomfort in the elderly, ultimately leading to a decreased functionality of the spine. Current treatments for disc degeneration focus on the fixation of the spinal unit by fusing the vertebra together, thus limiting and stabilizing the intervertebral motion, reducing the pain associated with the compression of the degenerated disc. Other treatments consist of entirely replacing the intervertebral disc, restoring function to the spine without reducing the range of motion. However, long term results of these treatments have been less than satisfactory, demanding a new approach to the treatment of degenerated intervertebral discs. The goal of this study was to develop a scaffold-like intervertebral disc with the mechanical characteristics required to function in the lumbar spine environment, thereby facilitating biological growth and eventual fixation of the disc within the spinal column.