Spine: Ceramic disc - What you should know

Abstract

TDR as a relatively new field in spine surgery is on its best way getting the gold standard in the surgical treatment of degenerative spinal diseases. With good short and mid term clinical outcomes of currently on the market available solutions several disadvantages still exist with negative consequences probably not appearing until long term outcomes are available. With the ceramic matrix composite Biolox® delta and proper engineered and tested designs, requirements of future TDR solutions can be accomplished. However, this is a challenge and an ongoing process. The development activities at CeramTec together with our partners from the orthopaedic industry aim to provide the surgeon with superior TDR solutions especially for younger, high active or hypersensitive patients. For the first generation of modular ceramic TDR approval is planed for the near future. For the second and third generation of monolithic ceramic TDR made of Biolox® delta intensive work is focused on the design optimisation and manufacturing of small rotational and non-rotational symmetric geometries with surface structuring and coating. The development results will also be applicable for other future applications like osseointegrative knees, acetabular shells for THA or furthermore fields in the arthroplasty surgery.