The results of research have demonstrated that a minimally invasive method that involves injecting in allograft discs into the spine and neck, is effective in reducing discomfort and improve performance over a prolonged period of time for those suffering from chronic disc degeneration.
Interventional radiology treatments reduce the pain and improves functioning over the course of three years.
A minimally-invasive procedure that injects allograft tissue to the spine to ease pain that is associated with degenerative disc diseases provides significant relief from the quality of life and pain for a long time in accordance with new research that will be discussed at this year’s Society of Interventional Radiology Annual Scientific Meeting in Phoenix.
The treatment, also known as viable disc allograft enhancement injects specific tissue and fluid in the patient’s injured disc. The cells in the fluid help the cells within the damaged disc to heal and grow healthy.
“The substantial improvement in function and pain is encouraging for those who suffer from constant low back pain , an issue that can significantly affect the health and quality of life,” said lead author Douglas Beall, M.D., FSIR, chief of radiology at Clinical Radiology of Oklahoma. “Back discomfort is the main reason for limited physical activities and work-related absences. This treatment could aid patients in returning to their normal levels of activity for a longer time.”
Nineteen sites with fifty patients took part in this free extension to the randomized control , Viable Allograft Supplemented Disc Repair as a Treatment of Patients With Low Back Pain (VAST) Trial which included 46 patients receiving allograft treatments and four receiving the saline. The patients in the treatment group were similar to the population of patients at the beginning of the trial, in terms of the age, gender, race and ethnicity and body mass index and smoking habits. The levels of pain were assessed by using an instrument called the VAS Analog Scale and functionality was evaluated with an Oswestery Disability Index (ODI).
60 percent of those receiving allograft therapy to treat chronic lower back pain reported more than 50% reduction in pain. Approximately 70% of patients saw greater than 20 points improvement on the improvement of their ODI scores. There were no chronic adverse events that were reported.
The degenerative disc condition is the primary reason for chronic low back discomfort, and is one of the most prevalent medical diseases. The discs which cushion the vertebrae of the spine start to wear out. Because discs aid in allow flexibility and mobility the condition causes the pain and decreased function.
“Existing therapy for patients suffering from chronic lower back pain caused by disc degeneration is usually ineffective , or the results are only temporary,” said Beall. “We require better solutions for treating this problem because traditional treatments aren’t delivering the long-term results that patients need. The injectable allograft procedure could be the solution for many patients.”
The use of allografts could aid in reducing the use of opioids in people suffering from long-term lower back pain, according to researchers that this would be particularly beneficial for patients younger than them who have years of functioning and high quality of their lives they can be looking forward to.
The treatment is not invasive and patients can return home that same day. VIVIEX Biologics, Inc. was the sponsor of this study, while The doctor. Beall serves as a medical consultant for VIVIEX Biologics, Inc.
Abstract #121 Viable disc allograft supplements for patients suffering from persistent lower back pain (VAST Study) Results from the interim 36-month period of an open-label extension trial. D. Beall, I. Fayed. Annual Scientific Meeting, March 4-9 2023. This abstract is available on sirmeeting.org following the embargo deadline.
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