Abstract
Fusion of the spinal segments is typically done to prevent or correct deformity, stabilize the spine after trauma or pathologic destruction, or eliminate painful movement of the spinal segments. Spinal interbody arthrodesis typically requires considerable patient exposure, necessary for discectomy and graft implantation, and resultant morbidity. Some researchers suggest nuclear replacements as active joint mobilizers, while others suggest full disc replacements, and although some biomechanical consideration has been given, results are unclear. We consider here a device which proposes to reduce surgical morbidity while promoting stability by fusion. The device investigated here is a bone-chip pouch, which fills the nuclear space. We present here initial findings of this device in lumbar cadaveric specimens.
