It is our first line of study. At the present time, there are 10 year follow-ups. The wear has been minimal, but certainly that may be a possibility in the future. Discs do not repair themselves. The figure is 30 percent of discs will resorb that have herniated.
Resorption is the body's ability to shrink the disc.
We know it can occur in about 30 percent of the cases. We are the main lead investigator and we are continuing to implant the device. The procedure is carried out through a small abdominal incision. It is very similar to that used for placement of fusion cages. The surgery is similar to that used for placement of cages.