New spinal disc implants 'get better with time'RSS Feed

Scientists have created disc implants to relieve the pain suffered by people with spinal injury causing lower back and neck discomfort.

Cornell University engineers created a biologically based spinal implant to treat those with the condition, according to a paper published in journal the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The artificial disks are made from collagen, wrapped around the outside, and hydrogel alginate in the middle.

While the artificial implants used today are seen to degrade over time, the biologically based discs improve as they mature within the body, due to the growth of cells.

Associate professor Roger Hartl explained: "Bone or metal or plastic implants are complicated structures which come with a mechanical risk of the structures moving around, or debris from the metal or plastic particles accumulating in the body from wear and tear."

In other news, a team from Brigham and Women's hospital utilised a new imaging technique to record brain activity in patients with lower back pain.

It was found that certain areas of the brain were activated when the patients experienced a worsening of their usual chronic pain.

Serious Law, award winning spinal injury law firm

Posted by Matthew Heap
 

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