History, design and biomechanics of the LINK SB Charité artificial disc
 

From: PubMed. Eur Spine J. 2002 Oct;11 Suppl 2:S98-S105. Epub 2002 Sep 5..

History, design and biomechanics of the LINK SB Charité artificial disc
Link HD.

Abstract
The SB Charite I artificial disc was developed in 1982 by Schellnack and Buttner-Janz and modified as the Mark II version in 1984. Both types were manufactured in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). Today's design, the SB Charite III, was first produced by LINK in 1987. Five sizes of the artificial disc in various angulations are available today, with a double coating of titanium/calciumphosphate. Designed with a three-component set-up, the SB Charite mimics the physiological segmental motion. The possibility of translation in the SB Charite provides proper biomechanical function and protects the zygapophysial joints. Results of biomechanical testing showed a sufficient cold-flow resistance of the UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) sliding core and confirmed the negligible abrasion rate. The LINK SB Charite disc is a safe and effective operative treatment for discogenic low back pain. Long-term results (10 years and more) have been published.

Keywords: history; materials; bioactive coating; translation; zygapophysial joints