Suggestions for a total elasto-dynamic intervertebral disc prosthesis.

The essential considerations to be taken for the design of a composite elasto-dynamic intervertebral disc prosthesis (IDP) are discussed, and a disc implant, supposedly satisfying the demands for surgical and biomechanical applicability and biocompatibility, are outlined. The suggested IDP implant is composed of an elastic kernel, covered in a two-components telescoping shell, situated in a polymer slit-tube fundament, after preparation fixed to the respective vertebral bodies of the respective motion segment with bone cement. The approach to a lumbar motion segment is suggested to be by way of an abdominal and retroperitoneal incision and exploration.