Prosthesis
Artificial Discs for Mobility and Functionality of the Spine
ADR in Germany uses the world's most innovative artificial discs for the cervical and lumbar spine. These superior devices are not FDA-approved in the United States and therefore not available within the US. The monoblock implants, made in Europe from highest quality materials, are in a class of their own in both functionality and technology.
The latest generation of viscoelastic disc replacement (VTDR) offer patients the following advantages:
- Restoration of normal mobility
- Strengthening of the affected movement segment(s)
- Lifelike 3D imitation of the human intervertebral disc
- Normal shock-absorption, just like a natural disc
- Full load-bearing capacity of the spine
- Restoration of the natural function of the vertebral joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons
- Allows six degrees of freedom of movement of the spine
Artificial Disc
Perfect Replication of Natural Disc Mobility
Our artificial disc implants for the cervical and lumbar spine almost perfectly reproduce the kinematics of an intact vertebral joint and hold up to continuous rigorous demands over many years. Our implants replicate the physiological mobility of the natural disc to 100%. The viscoelastic implants consist of two end plates made of titanium and an elastic core, which is firmly bonded to the end plates. The rough, titanium alloy-coated surface of these plates promotes good bone in-growth into the implant from the two adjacent vertebral bone structures.
The artificial disc is anchored by fixation of the metal plates to the two adjacent vertebral bodies. This type of cementless fixation ensures that the elastic, flexible implant is securely seated and impervious to loosening. To ensure immediate stability after surgery, our implants have metal extensions that attach to the adjacent vertebral bodies.
Since the purpose of the artificial disc is to ensure the same mobility as a natural disc, an elastic core of polyurethane-silicone is sandwiched between the metal plates. This allows free movement in all directions and provides natural shock absorption. The material is designed to respond to increased compression load with increasing stiffness and firmness.
Fitting
Individual Adaptation of Customized Implants
Good results with customized artificial disc implants require mobility in all directions. The method of anchoring that is based on bone growth into the implant ensures a stable fit impervious to loosening. The soft and elastic but durable core of the implant ensures that biomechanics, shock absorption, and flexibility are similar to a natural disc.
The titanium plates and sliding cores of the implants are individually tailored to each patient’s specific physical dimensions. The angle of inclination of the implant is carefully adjusted so as to correspond to the curvature of the spine in the affected area.
Cervical artificial discs for the neck area are smaller and tailored to the specific shape and functionality of the cervical vertebrae. Lumbar artificial discs are larger and stronger compared to cervical disc implants due to the greater compression forces experienced by the lumbar spine.