Hi-tech remedies for back pain focus of international collaboration

Researchers at Colorado State University and the University of Canterbury in New Zealand are working to develop an artificial implant to ease chronic back pain.

Mark Staiger, senior lecturer in mechanical engineering at Canterbury, and Susan James, professor of mechanical engineering at Colorado State, are taking the first steps toward replicating the structural and physiological properties of the human intervertebral disc.

The team, based at Canterbury University's Centre for Bioengineering, was awarded $26,000 from the New Zealand-based Brian Mason Scientific and Technical Trust to kick-start the research.

Alternative to spinal fusion

Back pain is widespread. In most developed countries, lower back pain is the leading cause of chronic disability in adults 18-45, and work-place absenteeism due to back pain is second only to the common cold, says Staiger. The conventional treatment for disc-related lower back pain is spinal fusion, but clinical complications are common with fusion, notes Staiger, particularly when multi-level fusions are required.

The project aims to replicate the properties of the disc using novel biomanufacturing methods and biomaterials to produce a replacement for degenerated or damaged discs. The researchers will investigate different polymers to recreate the properties of the intervertebral disc.

"The commercial market for solutions to lower back pain continues to grow," says Saiger. Researchers are now trying to develop intervertebral disc replacements made of biomaterials as a clinical alternative to spinal fusion, he says.

The collaboration has incorporated Canterbury's state-of-the-art electro-spinning techniques with CSU-developed biopolymers. Says James, "This is truly a great example of how international collaboration can lead to new research and eventually new healthcare technologies."

Adapted from the University of Canterbury Chronicle. Visit the CSU School of Biomedical Engineering at www.engr.colostate.edu/academic/sbme and the University of Canterbury at www.canterbury.ac.nz.