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| One other interesting technology being investigated is the regeneration or regrowth of the normal disc material. This has been attempted in large joints, like the knee and hip. In these joints, it is the joint fluid that nourishes the cartilage, since cartilage commonly has no blood supply. In the spinal disc, nourishment comes through the vertebral endplates via pores from the vertebra and its own blood supply. These endplate pores become clogged and no longer allow important materials through to nourish the cartilaginous disc. Generally, these endplates start to change before the disc itself becomes symptomatic from a pain standpoint and therefore new cartilage being regenerated or regrown would not have its normal nourishment supply for growth and maintenance. Much research will be needed to solve these problems. |
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Cervical disc replacement, motion in extension |
Cervical disc replacement, motion in flexion |
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