Intervertebral Disk Replacement - University of British Columbia Report

**Researcher** · 11-01-2010, 08:41 PM

I stumbled on this report today done by engineering students at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. I was very impressed! Those not inclined toward the engineering and mechanics of artificial discs might get droopy eyed reading it

, but our technical friends will get excited.

http://k1-a.com/wp-content/uploads/2...nal-Report.pdf

Phil

**Katie** · 11-02-2010, 04:44 AM

Thanks for posting this. We need every little bit of help up here in trying to convince the provincial insurance system that this is a viable alternative to fusion. There is an excellent surgeon in Vancouver who is doing ADR surgery, but he was so overwhelmed with patients after attending a seminar and relating his experiences that my appointment with him was canceled so that he could cope with the patients in his home province.

It is good to see that they are working on getting the information out...fingers crossed that it will help with progress here.

**jss** · 11-02-2010, 09:00 AM

A very good collection of information.

Ten days ago I sent off my second insurance appeal, which contained about 100 pages of multilevel cervical scientific studies. I know that BCBS will cede that multilevel is not investigational, but will deny again anyway, this time objecting that the M6 is not FDA approved. This paper contains a lot of great information that I'll be able to build on for my third appeal to show them that though not FDA approved, use of the M6 was warranted and should be covered.

Thanks!

Jeff

**Justin** · 11-02-2010, 08:13 PM

Thanks, Phil! The report is great.

**herniated C6-7** · 11-03-2010, 08:18 PM

Does the M6 contain any new materials not previously used in implants?

**Researcher** · 11-03-2010, 09:30 PM

Here are graphic cross sections of the M6-C and M6-L discs.

M6-C

Intervertebral Disk Replacement - University of British Columbia Report-idisc_cervical-cut_color-cropped.jpg

M6-L

Intervertebral Disk Replacement - University of British Columbia Report-m6l-cross-section-cropped.jpg

The M6-C and M6-L contain the following materials.

Viscoelastic Polymer Core - acts as artificial nucleus (proprietary)
UHMWPE fibers - acts as artificial annulus
Polymer Sheath - seals device (proprietary)
Titanium End Plates

I have reports that summarize the M6-C and M6-L biocompatibility and wear debris testing and results. The results are excellent. Send a PM if you would like to know more.

Phil