Intradiscal Regenerative Medicine Treatment
The intervertebral disc is a remarkable structure incorporating the unique function of shock-absorbing properties as well as the weight distribution of the axial spine. Like any other part of the body, the intra-vertebral disc also undergoes a gradual degenerative process accelerated sometimes by genetics or lifestyle choices especially smoking and obesity.
Disc replacement surgery is been touted as a novel way of restoring disc height and function.
More recently the concept of healing or regenerating the disc using bio-regenerative products has gained traction.
Therapies include intra-discal injection of platelet-rich plasma, PRP, nitric oxide, stem cell therapy, and amniotic fluid to name a few.
Though these products can differ vastly in origin the general goal is to help recruit omnipotent stem cells to the area of degeneration and help improve disc regeneration.
The procedure for injecting these bio-regenerative substances are all very similar.
These are injected often in conjunction with an endoscopic or percutaneous discectomy.
Under fluoroscopic guidance, a needle is directed into the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc.
After injection of this material, the patient is allowed to recover often with limitations in the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Motrin aspirin and Naprosyn.
