Current Bioengineering Strategies for Injured or Degenerative Intervertebral Discs

Abstract

The functionality of the intervertebral disc can be compromised due to aging and injuries. Synthetic and composite materials are investigated for disc repair to reduce pain. Synthetic materials or composite implants lack interaction with the disc's biological components and have yet to gain widespread usage or achieve desirable outcomes in treating intervertebral disc disorders. This chapter examines bioengineering approaches to disc repair, including cell-enhanced materials or biologically derived acellular materials that allow for cellular interactions and remodeling within the intervertebral disc. While still in its early stages, bioengineering techniques utilizing innovative biomaterials are showing promise as potential alternatives for the clinical treatment of intervertebral disc disorders.

Keywords: Annulus fibrosus, Disc degeneration, Degenerative disc disease, Fusion, Herniation, Intervertebral disc, Nucleus pulposus, Spine.

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