Biomechanical Benefits of Crosslink Augmentation in Spinal Discs

Abstract

This study involved an investigation into the effect of non-toxic crosslink augmentation on spinal discs on disc durability and joint stability. Non-destructive indentation techniques were developed to quantify annulus fibrosis material property degradation resulting from non-traumatic cyclic fatigue. Joint stability was assessed using two different natural zone measures. A non-toxic crosslinking reagent formulation reduced fatigue-induced viscoelastic relaxation by two- to three-fold compared to controls. The same treatment was found to produce a four-fold reduction of instability scores. Stabilization was observed to be greater in the more mechanically unstable discs.