What is the make-up of artificial discs? In general, there are two types of artificial discs that are in various stages of clinical trials and/or clinical use: Total disc prosthesis – designed to replace a full disc Nuclear prosthesis – designed to replace the soft inner core of a disc Both types of artificial discs are manufactured using man-made materials, such as: Metal part of the disc Rubber polyethylene of a hidrosel for the soft inner core The combination of these materials is intended to closely reproduce the natural mechanics of the vertebral disc. In some European countries, artificial discs have been used for about ten years. The product most commonly used is the "Charité" prosthesis. Although there have been no studies to examine the long-term effectiveness of this product, short-term and intermediate results have been generally favorable. By: Stephen H. Hochschuler, MD May 5, 2000