Novel silicone rubber and polyvinyl alcohol (pva) compound as nucleus pulposus replacement in intervertebral disc herniation surgery

AIMTo identify a novel material with biomechanical properties identical to the nucleus pulposus in the lumbar vertebrae of goats for use in intervertebral disc herniation surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODSIn this laboratory-based experimental study, the silicone rubber material test group consisted of sample compositions 35PVA65SR, 30PVA70SR, and 40PVA60SR. Axial compression mechanical tests were conducted to assess the biomechanical properties of the resulting material in terms of stress, strain, load, and displacement. RESULTSThe mechanical compression test results revealed that the stress (MPa) and strain (%) values of the 40PVA60SR material were closest to the control group (p=1.00) with a load of 684 N in each group. The value of material displacement (mm) for 40PVA60SR was also the closest to control (p=1.00) with a loading of 684 N. CONCLUSIONThe new material presents biomechanical properties closest to human nucleus pulposus and is promising in nucleus pulposus replacement therapy. Further clinical research is needed to evaluate other biomechanical properties and the bioavailability of the novel material.