Internal Disc Disruption

The intervertebral spinal disc absorbs shock, accommodates movement, provides support, and separates the  vertebral bodies of the spine. The disc consists of a core (nucleus pulposus) and surrounding shell (annulus fibrosus).

Cervical disc disorders include herniated cervical disc (herniated nucleus pulposus or HNP), degenerative disc disease (DDD), and internal disc disruption (IDD). HNP implies protrusion of disc material beyond the vertebral body. Most of the herniation is made up of the annulus fibrosus. DDD involves degenerative annular tears, loss of disc height, and core degradation. IDD describes annular fissuring of the disc without external disc deformation.

Internal disc disruption (IDD) describes pathological annular fissuring within the disc without external disc deformation. This disorder results from trauma-related nuclear degradation, cervical flexion/rotation-induced annular injury, or whiplash. The innervated outer disc annulus serves as a major pain generator. DDD ultimately may progress to IDD. IDD can result from cervical trauma, including whiplash, cervical flexion/rotation injury, and repetitive use

Internal disc disruption (IDD) often leads to disc herniation and fusion surgery of the vertebra. The resulting elimination of the natural range of motion often resulted in further damage to adjacent discs. This cervical disc surgery is called anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Over the past 15 years a breakthrough surgery for Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease has been developed in Europe known as Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) or Disc Arthroplasty. A disc prosthesis is implanted between the vertebra after removing the core of the damaged disc. Disc space is restored and range of motion is maintained limiting further damage. Cervical Disc Replacement can also be used to eliminate damage in adjacent discs where previous spinal fusion exists.

Disc Replacement or Disc Arthroplasty, as compared to other orthopedic disciplines, is the next evolutionary step in spine surgery. Disc Replacement is now commercially available in Europe and many other countries. FDA trials are underway and should be concluded within the next few years, although many Americans have been going to Germany, to avoid Spinal Fusion and get their Artificial Disc Replacement surgery for years.

Artificial Disc Replacement | Degenerative Disc Disease | Discectomy and Laminotomy | Discectomy with Fusion | Foraminal Stenosis | Cervical DDD

Internal Disc Disruption | Radicular pain of the neck |Treatment of Cervical Disc Disease | Jim's ADR story | SB Charite III | Lumbar DDD | Other Resourses