Biological Nucleoplasty: Molecular Bases and Technique

Authors

Tito A. Perilla-Cepeda, Spine Surgeon: Hospital Infantil Universitario de San Jose, Bogot ´ a, Colombia. Honorary Professor at the University of AntioquiaFollow
Carlos Uribe-Velez, Full Professor of Orthopedics and Traumatology: Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Hospital de San Ignacio. Professor of Knee Surgery: Universidad del Bosque, Bogota, Colombia.
Juan Pablo Perilla-Estrada, General Practitioner: Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia.

Document Type

Original Article

Abstract

Introduction: Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is an important cause of cervical and low back pain, it represents a significant burden and cost for the health system. Conventional treatment for low back pain is divided in conservative and surgical management, however, the current trend is to perform minimally invasive (MI) procedures. Biological nucleoplasty (BN) is a MI procedure based in tissue regeneration through the use of platelet growth factors (PGF), constituting a novel, safe and cost-effective method for the treatment of DDD.

Materials and methods: This technical note reviews the molecular bases that support the use of platelet growth factors. We provide a detailed description of the preparation of platelet-rich plasma and the surgical technique of biological nucleoplasty.

Discussion: The injection of platelet growth factors improves the biomechanics of the damaged disc by preserving the water content and regenerating the extracellular matrix, being the basis for repair and tissue regeneration. It is a MI procedure, with low postoperative pain, having a much lower cost than conventional spinal surgery.

Conclusion: BN is a percutaneous, minimally invasive technique. It is a safe and effective procedure with clear advantages in the prevention and treatment of EDD. However, we still need more studies in order to evaluate this procedure superiority versus conventional spinal surgery

Recommended Citation

Perilla-Cepeda, Tito A.; Uribe-Velez, Carlos; and Perilla-Estrada, Juan Pablo (2024) "Biological Nucleoplasty: Molecular Bases and Technique," LATIN Neurosurgery Journal: Vol. 1: Iss. 2, Article 4.
Available at: https://www.latin-neurosurgery.org/home/vol1/iss2/4

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