Viadisc: Paradigm Shift in the Treatment of Disc Degeneration
Sushanth Boda, DO
Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is an “age-old story” - quite literally.
This condition affects approximately 30-50% of all individuals, with certain studies reporting prevalence rates as high as 80%. Discogenic low back pain has a significant ongoing impact, particularly as the aging population continues to grow. While multiple factors contribute to disc degeneration, certain occupational activities—such as posture, heavy lifting and forceful bending—have been identified as accelerants of lumbar disc degeneration and exacerbating pre-existing disc pathology.
Intervertebral discs are subject to deterioration due to the natural aging process and/or trauma. This degeneration leads to dehydration, flattening, and a reduction in the disc’s inherent cushioning properties. Analogous to the dehydration of grapes into raisins, intervertebral discs undergo a comparable process of water loss over time. Consequently, this dehydration renders the discs more susceptible to mechanical stress, inflammation of the spinal nerves, and the development of low back pain. It is widely believed that alterations in the nucleus pulposus serve as the primary etiology of these degenerative changes. It functions as a “shock absorber” and redistributes the loading forces of the spine. This region exhibits the most pronounced alterations during the early stages of disc degeneration. Until recently the current treatment paradigm was lacking an intermediate option to provide patients before considering a spinal fusion surgery.
Viadisc has emerged as a potentially transformative addition to the treatment paradigm for intervertebral disc degeneration. It represents the first and only nucleus pulposus allograft designed to restore the cushioning function and replace tissue lost due to degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc. Unlike epidural steroid injections, which primarily provide symptomatic relief, Viadisc aims to address the underlying pathology of disc degeneration.
This therapeutic approach offers several advantages. It is administered in an outpatient setting, incision-free and allows patients to return home the same day with minimal postoperative downtime. Recovery is swift with patients typically resuming normal activities the following day and recommended to avoid physical or strenuous activities for 72 hours post-procedure. Over the ensuing weeks, the graft is expected to integrate with the disc, promoting regeneration and repair. Most notably, this therapy is opioid-free; allowing patients to resume work or other activities significantly quicker compared to conventional treatment options.
It is promising to observe that our clinical outcomes at Southern Pain and Spine align with the findings reported in the literature. Investigators have shown at the 3-year mark post viadisc injection - 60% of patients continued to have at least a 50% pain reduction, while 70% of patients reported an improvement of more than 20 points in their Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores. Overall resulting in a significant reduction in pain, enhancement of functional capacity, and resolution of symptoms in discs exhibiting degeneration as confirmed by imaging. These results are encouraging and substantiate the potential efficacy of this treatment.
We are excited to offer this innovative therapy at Southern Pain and Spine and look forward to helping patients overcome their fight against pain.
Sushanth Boda, DO is a double board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain management physician. He completed his training at the prestigious New York University, consistently ranked as one of the nation’s top hospitals. He is actively involved in national education conferences and ongoing clinical research. He currently practices at Southern Pain and Spine in Newnan, GA and specializes in minimally invasive and opioid-free interventional treatment therapies.
