COMPOSITE HYDROGELS FOR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC PROSTHESES

Different PHEMA/PCL semi-IPNs hydrogels and their relative composite s ystems reinforced with PET fibres have been investigated for potential use as intervertebral disc prostheses. Compression properties and wat er absorption were evaluated. Uniaxial compression tests on the swolle n samples showed an increase of the modulus and maximum stress with in creasing content of PCL and PET fibres. In particular, the composite P HEMA/PCL hydrogels showed compression properties similar to those expr essed by the canine intervertebral discs in different spinal locations . The equilibrium water content of modified semi-IPNs decreased as fun ction of the PCL and PET fibres. These tests indicate that the use of composite hydrogels as disc prostheses is very promising because it is possible to combine transport and mechanical properties which are cru cial for the performance of the intervertebral disc.