VIA Disc NP Allograft for spine?

[folivier]

Had my appointment yesterday to schedule my next nerve ablation for my lower back. These have been pretty successful twice a year giving me relatively pain free activity. But I asked my doc about what is the next step when these are no longer as effective. Told him I'm trying to avoid surgery as long as I can. He mentioned about VIA Disc NP Allograft, a new procedure that injects dehydrated nucleus pulposus particulate derived from the intervertebral disc region of the donor (cadaver). This is to replace some of the disc material lost due to various factors.
Has anyone else heard of this procedure?
He said not now but in the (near) future when the nerve ablations aren't as effective this may be something to consider.
Here is the company's website: viadiscnp.com

 

[BruinBones]

I am an orthopedic surgeon, albeit not a spine surgeon. The attempt to inject substances into a degenerative intervertebral disc is not new, having been studied for at least the past 20 years. Also, biologics is currently an innovative and exciting aspect of orthopedic medicine in trying to find growth factors that help restore or regenerate injured or worn down tissues. The latest research studies attempt to marry these two concepts to treat degenerative disc disease.
You should be aware that the procedure you were told about, the VIADISC Nucleus Pulposis Allograft, is NOT CURRENTLY STANDARD OF CARE for degenerative disc disease, and is not meant for all types of back pain. There have been a few research studies suggesting that it may be an acceptable treatment in the future, but most doctors who offer it are probably part of ongoing research studies to find out just how well it works. Also note that many of the doctors doing the procedure are Interventional Radiologists, not ortho surgeons or neurosurgeons. Keep in mind when Interventional Radiologists (or Pain Management Specialists) try something to treat back pain and it doesn't work, they will refer you to an Ortho or Neuro surgeon for any further care. Ortho and Neuro just have more depth and breadth in treating back pain conditions.
A recent review article summarized the current status of VIADISC as, "Clinical trials have shown promise, but further research into efficacy and safety is needed before these therapies are widely employed." [Tolson JK, Menuet RL, Ly GH, Chanes BA, Bryan EA, Kataria S, Kim J, Ahmadzadeh S, Shekoohi S, Kaye AD. Evolving role of VIADISC for chronic low back and discogenic pain: a narrative review. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs. 2024 Apr 15:1-10. doi: 10.1080/14728214.2024.2339912. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38602142].

 

[folivier]

Thanks! my pain doc suggested this as an option in the future when nerve ablations are no longer effective. I'm trying to avoid surgery as long as possible and this might be an option. He did say that insurance is not currently paying for this procedure.