Development of a knitted fabric reinforced elastomeric composite intervertebral disc prosthesis

摘要

The concept of an intervertebral disc prosthesis (IVDP) has arisen from the limited success of current surgical measures to treat disc degeneration. In this study, a textile composite IVDP with a polymeric core was successfully fabricated. Issues relating to the design and process optimisation of the IVDP fabrication are discussed. In addition, the mechanical behaviour of the IVDP are compared with the mechanical behaviour of the natural intervertebral disc (IVD).