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ViaDisc® Procedure
The human spine is made up of a series of interconnected bones, called vertebrae, that stack on top of one another to form a sort of pillar that supports the body. In between each adjacent vertebrae are soft, flexible cushions called discs. These vertebral discs allow our spine to move and bend while protecting it by absorbing shock forces.
As we grow older, the tissues in our discs begin to deteriorate from regular wear and tear, in a process called disc degeneration. This can limit spinal movement while reducing the disc’s effectiveness as shock absorbers.
The VIA Disc® procedure is a treatment that replaces lost vertebral disc tissue to reduce the pain and limitations of disc degeneration.
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What is the VIA Disc procedure?
The VIA Disc procedure is a minimally invasive, outpatient treatment that replaces lost tissue in degenerated vertebral discs.
VIA Disc utilizes natural disc tissue, called dehydrated nucleus pulposus particulate, derived from a willing donor party. The particulate is mixed with saline and then injected directly into the degenerated disc.
The particulate solution acts as a replacement for the degenerated disc tissue, restoring the structure and flexibility of the disc to provide renewed functionality and improved support for the spine.
Who is a candidate for VIA Disc?
You may be a candidate for VIA Disc if you:
Have chronic low back pain
Persistent low back pain that has lasted for several months and is affecting your daily activities may indicate disc degeneration that could benefit from treatment. Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common causes of chronic low back pain.
Show evidence of lumbar disc degeneration
VIA Disc is intended for patients who have experienced tissue loss and degeneration in one or more lumbar intervertebral discs. Degenerated discs often exhibit reduced hydration, loss of disc height, and diminished cushioning capabilities.
Have not found relief with conservative treatments
Many candidates have already tried non-surgical therapies such as physical therapy, medications, activity modification, chiropractic care, or spinal injections but continue to experience symptoms. VIA Disc is generally considered after conservative treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief.
Want to explore a minimally invasive option
The procedure is performed using fluoroscopic guidance through a small needle and does not require open surgery. Patients seeking an alternative before considering more invasive surgical procedures may benefit from evaluation for VIA Disc.
Do not have any aversions or limitations to the treatment
Patients with certain allergies or sensitivities to components associated with the allograft preparation may not qualify for treatment. Additional medical conditions or spinal disorders may also affect candidacy. This will be determined by your provider.
What can I expect during the procedure?
You will be brought into the procedure room and laid face down on a special table. If you are receiving sedation, this will be administered prior to the procedure. Your skin will be cleaned at the injection site, and a local anesthetic will be applied so you don’t feel any discomfort during the injection.
Your physician will insert a needle through the skin and muscle into the center of the vertebral disc. The physician will use a special kind of x-ray machine called a fluoroscope to help guide the needle to the correct location. The VIA Disc solution will slowly be delivered into the degenerated space within the disc.
The procedure generally takes around 15-20 minutes to complete.
What can I expect after the procedure?
You will be moved into the recovery area and monitored by a nurse for a short time. An oral sedative may be provided to ease any post-injection discomfort.
We recommend that you take it easy for the remainder of the day after the procedure. You may resume normal activities the next day.
The local anesthetic generally wears off within a few hours. You may experience tenderness or aggravated symptoms at the injection site for a few days. Apply ice packs to help with this pain.
A follow-up appointment is generally scheduled two to four weeks after the procedure to monitor your pain and discuss procedure results.
ViaDisc can be used to treat:
Schedule an appointment with Twin Cities Pain Clinic to discuss if the VIA Disc procedure can help with your pain.
Schedule a consultation today