Lactic Acid Disc Injection for Herniation Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for intervertebral disc herniation are invasive, have high rates of complications, and do not provide long-term relief with minimal side effects, leading to a need for a less invasive and effective procedure.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising lactic acid is administered into the nucleus pulposus of a herniated intervertebral disc, causing dehydration and subsequent transformation into solid connective tissue, reducing pressure on nerves and stabilizing the disc to prevent relapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical discectomy is performed to remove herniated disc material, then immediate pain relief is achieved, but the risk of recurrence and need for revision surgery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by injecting lactic acid composition into the intervertebral disc before herniation occurs or at early stages, aiming to prevent disc degradation and maintain disc height. This proactive approach seeks to avoid the need for surgical intervention and reduce recurrence risk by strengthening disc structure in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The lactic acid composition acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the disc structure and the pathological process of herniation. The composition includes lactic acid and crosslinking agents that facilitate controlled crosslinking of disc matrix proteins, creating a protective effect that reinforces disc structure without requiring surgical removal of tissue
2Stress or pressure
If chemonucleolysis is used to dissolve the nucleus pulposus and reduce disc pressure, then herniation symptoms are relieved, but the disc loses height and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the concentration and distribution of lactic acid in the disc, along with controlling the crosslinking reaction parameters. This allows reduction of disc pressure through controlled dehydration while simultaneously maintaining or improving disc stability through crosslinking, avoiding the height loss associated with chemonucleolysis
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite composition containing lactic acid and crosslinking agents that work together to achieve multiple effects. The lactic acid component facilitates dehydration and pressure reduction, while the crosslinking agents simultaneously strengthen the disc matrix, creating a synergistic effect that maintains disc height and stability while relieving pressure
3Volume of stationary object
If percutaneous nucleotomy is performed to remove nucleus material, then disc volume is reduced and pain is relieved, but the procedure is invasive with unpredictable results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of percutaneous nucleotomy with a chemical/biochemical approach using lactic acid injection and crosslinking. Instead of mechanically removing disc material through needle puncture, the composition chemically facilitates controlled dehydration and structural reinforcement, providing more predictable and controllable outcomes with less invasiveness
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The treatment effectively reduces disc height and pressure, alleviates pain, and stabilizes the disc, offering a safer, more efficient, and less invasive solution compared to existing methods, with minimal risk of further complications.
Implementation Method 1
The inventors have found that the administration of a composition comprising lactic acid results in volume and height reduction, and also a change of the tissue composition of the disc
Implementation Method 2
causing dehydration and subsequent transformation into solid connective tissue, reducing pressure on nerves and stabilizing the disc
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition for use in the treatment of intervertebral disc herniation, wherein the composition comprises lactic acid and wherein the composition is administered into a disc space comprising the NR of a herniated intervertebral disc.