Biomechanics of Artificial Discs
Although few artificial intervertebral discs are currently on the market in the US due to the slow FDA approval process, many are under development by different companies in the United States and elsewhere. The biomechanics lab has initiated a number of protocols with these companies to evaluate their devices. The ultimate goal is to publish our findings to benefit patients and doctors in understanding how the spine will move differently after implantation of each device. As described above, the BNI lab has at its disposal several advanced testing methods unavailable at other labs and is hoping to set new standards in how such experiments are performed.
Dr. Crawford recently published a critique of the most recently published studies on biomechanical testing of cervical artificial discs, available for free download from the World Spine Journal. Ongoing research includes measurement of range of motion, zone of laxity, coupling patterns, axis of rotation, and facet loads in specimens with artificial intervertebral discs implanted.
Biomechanics of Posterior Motion Sparing Devices
Some patients may benefit from posterior motion sparing devices without any need for disc replacement. Like artificial discs, although only one posterior motion sparing device is currently FDA approved in the US (X-STOP, St. Francis Medical Technologies), others are currently under development by different companies. These devices work by increasing the area for the spinal cord and nerve roots to alleviate compression that may be causing pain, and possibly by altering the path of posterior element movement to prevent nerve impingement. Research is still needed on how these devices influence the biomechanics of the spine. Ongoing research in the BNI Spine Lab includes measurement of range of motion, zone of laxity, coupling patterns, axis of rotation, and facet loads in specimens with posterior devices implanted.
