Replacement of intervertebral discs in chimpanzees by silicone‐Dacron implants: A preliminary report

Abstract

Abstract We have developed a prosthetic replacement for the intervertebral disc. Although current management of a patient with degenerative disc disease is usually effective, certain inadequacies in permanent pain relief do exist. Most of the persistent symptoms seem to occur because of vertebral settling with subsequent posterior joint incongruities followed by arthritic changes. Theoretically, the replacement of a diseased intervertebral disc, prior to the onset of irrevocable changes, with a spacer would maintain anatomical congruity and physiologic function. This study is the preliminary report of the development of a silicone‐Dacron prosthesis and its experimental trials in chimpanzees. Our early evaluation shows that the prosthesis allows motion, maintains the intervertebral space, and absorbs the compressive stresses placed on the spine. The artificial disc has a biomechanical behavior comparable to the normal chimp disc. Resorption of adjacent bone, reactive bone formation, and infection are complications that we have experienced. Continued evaluation is necessary.