Prosthetic disc nucleus replacement for lumbar disc herniation

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of prosthetic disc nucleus (PDN-solo) replacement for lumbar disc herniation by comparing it with traditional solely discectomy. Methods 18 cases of lumbar disc herniation were treated with PDN-solo replacement, including 16 cases of single segment (9 L_(4~5), 7 L_5~S_1) and 2 double segments (L_(4~5) and L_5~S_1). All were performed with single PDN-solo replacement. 30 cases of lumbar disc herniation were treated with traditional solely discectomy as control. The effects in the two groups were observed. Results The clinical symptom in PDN-solo replacement group released totally and segment motion recovered significantly. 6 cases were follow-up for 9~22 months and 9 for 3~9 months. The intervertebral height recovered 10.5% postoperatively. No PDN-solo displacement was found. The effect was significantly better than that of traditional solely discectomy (P0.01). Conclusions PDN-solo replacement can restore the spine segment stability and mobility. Suitable prosthetic design and material selection can help to rebalance the intervertebral disc and posterior column load transmission, which has wide prospective application value.