NuCore injectable disc nucleus anyone?

[bphilhower]

As a newer member of SPS, it is quite possible that I just haven't seen anything on this topic, but if anyone has any info about NuCore I would love to learn more.

What I do know is limited. I know that Dr. Hyun Bae was the 1st US Dr. to administer the the gel injection during a clinical trial in 2006. However, I can't find any data, articles, etc. about it post-2006. Everything I read from then seems to indicate it was very promising and positive, but since then...nothing.

If I understand what I read from those reports, it seems that NuCore would have been a possible option to try for DDD before going through a heavier procedure, such as fusion or ADR, and could be done when a microdiscectomy didn't correct the problem.

Anyone got anything on this?

Thanks,

[Justin]

Hi Brad,

The NuCore Injectable Nucleus was mentioned in the full-text of the publication below. Click here for the link to the full-text.

Current Orthopaedic Practice:
June 2009 - Volume 20 - Issue 3 - p 222-226
SPECIAL FOCUS: Spine

Recent advances in nucleus pulposus replacement technology
Leckie, Steven; Kang, James

Abstract

Degenerative intervertebral disc disease is a common cause of back pain. Although back pain often resolves with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, some patients fail conservative treatment and require surgical intervention. Nucleus pulposus (NP) replacement offers a less invasive alternative to discectomy with fusion, and avoids adjacent level degenerative disease. New NP replacement materials have been under active investigation for over a decade. In this article we review progress in NP replacement technology made over the past 2 years. Most types of implants are either inserted in a dehydrated form and then swell to fill the NP cavity, or are injected into the NP cavity as a liquid, which are then induced to gel. Recent biomechanical, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies continue to improve the safety and efficacy of NP replacement technology. The major complications of NP replacement are extrusion through the annulus and subsidence through the endplates. Although progress has been made toward making NP replacement a safe and effective clinical tool, NP replacement remains investigational, and more well-designed prospective randomized control trials are needed before NP replacement can become a routine therapeutic alternative.

© 2009 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

[Justin]

• Link --> Chapter 6: Nucleus Replacement™ Technologies
  
• Journal of Neurosurgery Spine
  February 2008 Volume 8, Number 2
  Nucleus replacement technologies
  Invited submission from the Joint Section Meeting on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves, March 2007
  
  

  Abstract
  Nucleus replacement offers a less invasive alternative to traditional fusion or total disc replacement techniques in the treatment of symptomatic lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD). The authors discuss the classification of nucleus replacement devices as well as their potential indications. The authors review the history and evolution of nucleus replacement devices emphasizing several that are actively in US Investigational Device Exemption pilot feasibility trials. Nucleus replacement devices can be functionally categorized as elastomeric and mechanical. A classification scheme is discussed. Nucleus replacement remains investigational, but early clinical results have been encouraging. Further clinical investigation with well-designed prospective, randomized pivotal trials is needed to determine the efficacy of nucleus replacement in the treatment of lumbar DDD, as well as its ideal indications.
  
  KEYWORDS:lumbar arthroplasty; nucleus replacement; partial disc replacement.

• The Spine Journal
  Volume 8, Issue 5, Supplement 1, September-October 2008, Page 59S
  Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Meeting of the North American Spine Society, NASS 24th Annual Meeting
  116. Two-Year Clinical Evaluation of an Injectable In Situ Curing Nucleus Replacement
  Link to full-text.

[KBear]

I think this is what was offered to me instead of ADR or fusion, or something with a similar concept. Whatever it was, it was in clinical trials 6 months ago, when it was offered to me. Sorry, I'm not much help.

[Justin]

New abstract --> An injectable nucleus replacement as an adjunct to microdiscectomy: 2yr follow-up in Nucore® pilot clinical study

[bphilhower]

Great info! They just need to speed this up for me

[Justin]

Great info! They just need to speed this up for me

Brad, I hope they do as well! This is a very promising technology for many Spine Patients.