Discogel is a material that is inserted into the disc space to attempt to restore the nucleus (the jelly in the jelly-filled donut). The hope was that replacing the nucleus would restore the height of the disc and reduce back pain.
There are two problems with this surgery . One is that the annulus (the outside “donut” wall) is not restored and still has the tears that occurred with the initial degeneration. The discogel insertion will not restore the integrity of these walls and they can remain pain generators.
The other problem is that this gel material has to stay confined within the center of the disc space. The tears in the disc wall have to be through and through to insert this material into the center of the disc. This entrance hole can also be the exit hole for this discogel material and this material can act as a disc herniation to compress the nerve root. A new MRI will be necessary to determine if this complication has occurred.
Dr. Corenman
Dear Dr. Corenman;
Can’t agree more in terms of “the annulus is not resotred, and still has the tears………………..”, even I wonder it’ll lead to leak of implant.
And my question is what if any suture technique together with hydrogel implant treatment, do you think it works?
Thanks for your time and answer in advance. Looking forward to hearing your reply soon. Thanks.
Have a nice day
James
