PROSTHETIC DISC NUCLEUS REPLACEMENT FOR TREATMENT OF DEGENERATIVE LUMBAR DISC DISEASES / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To eveluate the result of the use of prosthetic disc nucleus (PDN) for treatment of degenerative disc diseases in the lumbar spine. Methods Twenty-two patients with degenerative disc diseases were treated with PDN replacement after the removal of the degenerated intervertebral disc. Results The patients were followed-up for an average 12 months (4-18 months). Both lumbago and leg pain disappeared in all the 22 patients who resumed their work and normal life one month after the operation. PDN translocation was found in 2 out of 10 patients in the early period, but no PDN translocation was found in the remaining 12 patients in the later period. Conclusion PDN could restore disc height and flexibility after nucleotomy. Artificial nucleus replacement was a good option for the treatment of degenerative lumbar disc disease.