A developer of spinal implants for treatment of degenerative disc disease says it has received CE mark approval to market the Physio-L Lumbar Artificial Disc in the European Union. The artificial disc, from Nexgen spine, city, St, ( ) is an elastomeric disc for use in the lumbar spine of those suffering degenerative disc diseases. A proprietary elastomeric material lets the disc mimic the mechanical properties of a natural disc. Developers say it’s an advance over current designs of disc prostheses.

"The properties of the Physio-L help restore the natural shock absorption of the disc," says Nexgen Spine chairman and founder Casey Lee. “It lets a surgeon restore function to the patient's disc.” Clinical data for it show improvements in patient disability and pain, supporting the concept of using elastomeric polymers for total disc prostheses." The accompanying photo shows the angular envelope of the spinal implant.