What Is a Herniated Disc and the BARRICAID® Implant?

Attention!

This brochure is designed to provide general information about lumbar disc herniation, possible treatment options, and the use of the Barricaid® implant to close defects in the annulus of the intervertebral disc.

This brochure does not replace the advice or prescriptions of your treating physician. If you have questions about your health or would like clarification of any information provided here, please consult your doctor.

What Is a Herniated Intervertebral Disc?

The lower part of your spine contains five lumbar vertebrae, separated by intervertebral discs. These discs act as shock absorbers, cushioning the spine during physical activity and under the force of gravity. The outer part of the disc — the annulus — consists of multiple layers of fibrous tissue, similar in structure to a car tire.

Inside this “tire” is the disc’s nucleus, a softer, gel-like core.

A herniated disc occurs when the annulus tears or ruptures, allowing part of the nucleus to bulge or be pushed out. This material may press on nearby nerves, causing pain.

Types of Disc Herniation (According to Some Classifications):

  • Protrusion:
    Pressure causes the nucleus to bulge outward without rupture of the annulus.
  • Extrusion:
    The annulus ruptures, and part of the nucleus is pushed out.
  • Sequestration:
    A portion of the nucleus breaks through the annulus and separates from the disc.

The most common symptom of disc herniation is sciatica — a characteristic leg pain that may be accompanied by lower back pain.

Herniated discs are a widespread problem, with over one million surgeries performed annually worldwide.

How Is a Disc Herniation Diagnosed?

A physician may suspect a disc herniation based on symptoms described in this brochure. Neurological examination may reveal abnormal reflexes. Pain may worsen when raising a straight leg while sitting or lying down, and there may be numbness in the foot or leg.

Blood tests are often ordered to check for signs of inflammation or infection.

A standard X-ray may show signs of spinal degeneration but cannot accurately assess disc condition. To confirm or rule out disc herniation, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is usually performed.

An electromyography (EMG) test may also be done to identify which nerves are affected.

Treatment of Herniated Discs

Doctors usually begin with conservative treatment, recommending rest and relaxation. Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to reduce swelling and nerve root compression.

If conservative measures are ineffective, your doctor may recommend surgery. The most common procedure is discectomy, in which the surgeon removes the herniated or detached part of the disc nucleus to reduce or eliminate nerve pressure.

After disc material is removed, a defect in the annulus may remain. This can allow more nucleus material to herniate through the same or another weakened part of the annulus after surgery — a condition known as recurrent disc herniation. To reduce this risk, surgeons may remove part or even most of the remaining nucleus.

In recent years, many spinal surgeons have shifted toward a more conservative approach, aiming to preserve as much nucleus material as possible. This technique, known as limited discectomy, helps maintain disc height, preserve spinal mobility, and reduce the risk of back pain caused by disc collapse.

However, surgeons face a challenge: how to preserve the benefits of limited discectomy while minimizing the risk of herniation recurrence.

The Barricaid® Implant

The Barricaid® annular closure device was developed to help surgeons prevent recurrent disc herniation while preserving the disc.

Is the Barricaid® Implant Right for Me?

The Barricaid® implant is recommended for patients at high risk of recurrent disc herniation, disc height loss, recurring sciatica, or early onset of lower back pain.

Before surgery, your doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the Barricaid® implant based on MRI disc height measurements (>5 mm). The final decision is made during surgery: if the annular defect is wider than 5 mm, there is a high risk of recurrence.

How the Barricaid® Implant Works

After a limited discectomy, the Barricaid® implant is inserted into the spine at the site of the annular defect and securely anchored in the bone.

The mesh part of the implant acts as a barrier, blocking the defect and reducing the risk of recurrent herniation. It also helps preserve disc height, enabling the surgeon to leave more nucleus material in place without fear of re-herniation.

Implantation takes just a few minutes and is performed during the discectomy procedure.

What to Expect After Surgery

After surgery, your doctor will develop a postoperative care plan, provide recommendations for physical activity, and may prescribe physical therapy. You will also be scheduled for follow-up visits at regular intervals to monitor your recovery.

Have Questions?

Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your condition, your treatment, or the information in this brochure.

More information about the Barricaid® implant is available at
🌐 www.in-thera.com