Preliminary Study of Artificial Intervertebral Disc

Abstract

<p> This study is one of the projects of the artificial joints group conducted by Professor W. R. Newcombe, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Dr. G. R. Viviani, Department of Surgery.</p> <p> A summary of the literature survey of the lower back which is pertinent to the design of a replacement for the lumbar spine is reported. Motions, force system, and strengths of the lumbar intervertebral joint are obtained from the literatures and calculation.</p> <p> Advantages of silicone elastomer and titanium as the biomaterials for the artificial disc are presented. An experiment to test the bond between titanium and silicone reveals that the strength provided by only applying primer is insufficient.</p> <p> Surface structure for prosthetic stabilization and initial fixation is discussed. Proposed design alternatives for artificial discs are presented with the attempts to reduce the number of moulds needed by introducing a prosthesis with a more regular shape.</p> <p> An important part of this thesis is to indicate the direction in which further work in this area should proceed.</p>