Autologous chondrocyte transplantation is technically feasible and biologically relevant to repairing disc damage and retarding disc degeneration in animal models. Prospective clinical trials with open discectomy, cultivation of disc cells and transplantation by a minimally invasive procedure are ongoing (co.don chondro-transplant DISC).

We used the decompressor (Stryker) for percutaneous lumbar discectomy to harvest disc cells for cultivation. A cannula was placed in the degenerated disc. The 1,5mm decompressor was introduced through the cannula. 0,5–1,5 millilitres of disc material was aspirated. In the laboratory the material was cultured using the patients serum. The cells were expandable. The capacity of the cells to produce matrix molecules was proven in vitro.

The percutaneous discectomy of contained discs with signes of early degeneration, the expansion and the transplantation of autologous chondrocytes to the disc might be a possibility of repairing disc damage and retarding disc degeneration.

Aim: Life quality is decreased due to pain and the consequences of kyphosis after osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Injections of bone cement (PMMA) are known to stabilise fractured vertebral bodies avoiding major surgeries. The balloon kyphoplasty was introduced for reduction of the local kyphosis. We wanted to observe the range of time in which a correction of the deformity might be possible. Methods: A needle is introduced via a transpedicular or extrapedicular approach into the vertebral body. Then a balloon is inserted and inßated to elevate the endplates and to decrease the local kyphosis. After removal of the balloon PMMA is þlled into the cavity for stabilisation. We performed this procedure in 64 vertebral bodies in 40 patients. Results: The method was mainly used in deformities of vertebral bodies after stable fracture of the endplates due to osteoporosis but also in non-unions within the vertebral bodies. In these cases no signs of ongoing bone remodelling were found within the horizontal fracture gaps in the magnetic resonance imaging despite of the long lasting history of pain. In functional x-rays the instability within the vertebral body was observed. Only the dorsal wall of the vertebral body and the spinal canal had been proven to be intact. A distinct decrease in pain and disability was found in the patients during the time of follow up. The vertebral bodies showed a partial restoration of height and reduction of the local kyphosis even after a period of 3months. The non-unions were stabilised. However the fracture rate of adjacent segments was twice compared to other segments. Conclusion: We conclude that the balloon kyphoplasty is a save procedure in the hand of spine surgeons and sufþcient to reduce pain and improve the mechanical properties of the spine.