Research & Innovation

Leading Research in Motion Preservation Surgery

Advancing the science of spine surgery through research, innovation, and over 30 years of clinical experience in artificial disc replacement.

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Publications

Peer-reviewed research advancing the understanding of motion preservation surgery

Long-term Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement: A 17-Year Follow-up Study
Bertagnoli R, Kumar VV, Voronov LI, et al. • European Spine Journal • 2023
Recent

Abstract: This comprehensive study presents the longest follow-up data available for cervical ADR, demonstrating sustained motion preservation and clinical benefits at 17+ years post-surgery. The study includes 247 patients with single and multi-level procedures.

Cervical ADRLong-term Outcomes
Biomechanical Analysis of Motion Preservation vs Fusion in Multi-level Lumbar Spine Disease
Bertagnoli R, Tropiano P, Zigler JE, et al. • Spine • 2022
High Impact

Abstract: Finite element analysis comparing adjacent segment stress in patients treated with lumbar ADR versus fusion, demonstrating reduced biomechanical stress with motion preservation techniques.

Lumbar ADRBiomechanics
Hybrid Constructs in Spine Surgery: Combining Motion Preservation and Fusion for Optimal Outcomes
Bertagnoli R, McAfee PC, Cunningham BW, et al. • Journal of Spinal Disorders • 2021
Review

Abstract: Comprehensive review of hybrid surgical techniques combining ADR and fusion in the same patient, with decision-making algorithms and outcome data from 500+ cases.

Hybrid SurgerySurgical Technique
Device Selection Criteria for Artificial Disc Replacement: A Surgeon's Perspective
Bertagnoli R, Yue JJ, Shah RV, et al. • Spine Journal • 2020
Clinical

Abstract: Evidence-based guidelines for device selection in ADR surgery, comparing 25+ device platforms and providing selection criteria based on anatomy, pathology, and patient factors.

Device SelectionClinical Guidelines

Patents & Innovation

Pioneering device technologies that have shaped modern spine surgery

Artificial Disc Design Innovations
US Patent 7,621,954 • 2009

Revolutionary ball-and-socket design for cervical artificial discs, providing unconstrained motion in all planes while maintaining stability.

Key Innovations:

  • • Unconstrained motion design
  • • Self-centering mechanism
  • • Wear-resistant materials
  • • Anatomical sizing options
Lumbar Motion Preservation Systems
US Patent 8,147,550 • 2012

Advanced lumbar disc replacement technology with enhanced stability and natural motion patterns for complex spinal pathologies.

Key Features:

  • • Multi-directional motion
  • • Load distribution optimization
  • • Modular design system
  • • Revision-friendly architecture
Surgical Instrumentation
US Patent 9,456,833 • 2016

Precision surgical instruments designed for minimally invasive ADR procedures, improving accuracy and reducing operative time.

Innovations:

  • • Minimally invasive approach
  • • Real-time positioning feedback
  • • Reduced tissue trauma
  • • Enhanced surgical precision

Current Research

Ongoing studies and future directions in motion preservation surgery

Long-term ADR Outcomes Study
20+ Year Follow-up • Ongoing

Comprehensive analysis of patients with 20+ year follow-up post-ADR surgery, examining device longevity, motion preservation, and quality of life outcomes.

Study Parameters:

  • • 500+ patient cohort
  • • Multi-center collaboration
  • • Radiological motion analysis
  • • Patient-reported outcomes
In Progress
Next-Generation Device Development
Advanced Materials Research • 2024-2026

Development of next-generation artificial disc materials and designs, incorporating advanced biomaterials and smart technologies for enhanced performance.

Research Areas:

  • • Advanced polymer composites
  • • Bioactive surface coatings
  • • Smart sensor integration
  • • Personalized device design
Development Phase