Development of artificial intervertebral disc

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Development of an artificial intervertebral disc (AID) for use in restoring both the stability and movability of the spine is desirable. The composite materials, made of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels (PVA-H) and titanium fiber mesh (TFM) which we had developed as an artificial osteo-chondral material seems to be the best candidate for AID.In this study, we compared various mechanical properties of canine intervertebral disc and those of PVA-H in order to obtain fundamental data for development of AID.The best competent PVA-H for AID in this study had water content between 30% and 45%. We implanted 12 artificial intervertebral discs made of above-described material into L4-L5 intervertebral disc of 12 beagle dogs. Macroscopic and microscopic findings 3 months after the operations revealed very good attachment of this material to vertebral bodies and good histological findings around the materials. In conclusion, this composite material is very promising candidate for use in AIDs.