UK spinal implant specialist Ranier Technology has received CE Mark approval for Cadisc-L, a disc replacement for the lumbar spine that could save millions of people from losing spinal mobility.

Cadisc-L is a treatment for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, a painful condition that affects millions worldwide. Over half a million patients each year undergo surgery to remove the diseased disc and fuse the adjacent vertebrae - a solution that restricts motion.

Medical engineers have developed an articulating metal disc implant that allows limited motion, but increases the load on adjacent tissues.

Ranier has used its Precision Polyurethane Manufacturing (PPM) technology to develop a polymeric replacement disc that mimics the performance of the natural disc. Cadisc-L is designed to restore the spine's elastomeric motion and reduce pain, allowing the patient to resume an active lifestyle.

Dr Geoffrey Andrews, CEO of Ranier Technology, said: "The achievement of the CE Mark for our Cadisc-L lumbar disc product will allow us to implement our plans for full commercialisation of the Cadisc-L technology in European healthcare markets, bringing relief and a transformed quality of life to thousands currently suffering from debilitating back pain.

"Having met prospective patients and recipients of Cadisc-L, I know that there is a great unmet clinical need that Cadisc-L can be highly successful in addressing."

Ian Quirk, Director of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs at Ranier, added: "By using the Cadisc-L spinal disc replacement, we found patients had significant reductions in average leg and back pain and overall disability, and coupled with an increase in quality of life there are very strong indications of early-phase performance."

Based in Cambridge, Ranier Technology uses its PPM technology to develop motion-preserving spinal implants for clinical use.

 
Cadisc-L

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