Disk replacement more beneficial than fusion?

People requiring home care for a spinal injury could opt for disk replacement rather than fusion.

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery has shown that replacement with artificial disks can be a "viable alternative" to standard fusion surgery for those with worn out disks in the lower back.

People who underwent disk replacement surgery were seen to have less blood loss, shorter hospital stays and more rapid improvements than those who had fusion. In addition, disk replacement operations are quicker.

According to author Rick B Delamarter: "Overall, 24 months after surgery, patients in both groups had less pain and were able to reduce their use of medication, but the percentages were higher in the disc replacement group."

Meanwhile, researchers at the University of Manchester have developed an injectable implant which could be used to help those with lower back pain, according to a study published in journal Soft Matter.

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