Evaluation of thiol-modified hyaluronan and elastin-like polypeptide composite augmentation in early-stage disc degeneration: comparing 2 minimally invasive techniques.

Study Design: An in vitro biomechanical and imaging study generated from an in vivo porcine model of early stage degenerative disc disease was used to evaluate mechanical property restoration, comparing 2 minimally invasive injection techniques.

Objective: To evaluate the ability of an injectable hydrogel to restore the mechanical properties of spinal motion segments with early stage disc degeneration, comparing 2 minimally invasive injection techniques.

Summary Of Background Data: Treatment of early-stage disc degeneration may benefit from a combination of tissue engineering and minimally invasive therapeutic approaches.