HonorHealth Pioneers New Lumbar Disc Repair Technique

Procedure provides immediate pain relief and maintains full range of motion

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

HonorHealth Research Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona has performed the first-ever procedure in the state and only the second in the U.S. to treat a patient with a new type of lumbar spine disc repair called a PerQdisc. The minimally invasive procedure replaces the leaking jelly-like material in the center of a damaged disc, restoring disc pressure and function without limiting mobility.

Why it matters

For years, the only options for treating degenerating discs in the lower back were either fusing the vertebrae, which limits motion, or inserting an artificial disc, which requires more extensive surgery. The PerQdisc procedure provides a new, less invasive solution that can alleviate pain and preserve the patient's full range of motion.

The details

The PerQdisc procedure involves using a small metallic straw to remove the original jelly-like nucleus material from the damaged disc and replace it with a silicone-filled balloon. This re-pressurizes the disc and relieves the mechanical compression causing the patient's pain. The procedure is intended for middle-aged patients, typically between 25 and 50 years old, who are experiencing early disc degeneration but have not yet reached the point where more extensive treatments are required.

  • The first PerQdisc procedure in Arizona was performed in November 2026 as part of the DISCPAIN1 clinical trial.
  • The PerQdisc procedure has been in development for the past five years in Europe and other locations before being introduced in the U.S.

The players

Luis Tumialan, M.D.

An ASU School of Medicine and Medical Engineering neurosurgeon who specializes in spine and neurosurgery as part of the HonorHealth Research Institute's Neuroscience Research Division.

Spinal Stabilization Technologies

A San Antonio, Texas-based manufacturer that has developed the materials and technique to make the PerQdisc procedure possible.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If the loss of jelly results in a deflated disc and causes pain, why can't we just pressurize the jelly again and alleviate the pain? The answer has to be yes.”

— Luis Tumialan, M.D., Neurosurgeon

“After the age of 25, any of us can start to degenerate in our discs. We need to capture those patients early, the patients who we would ordinarily say, look, there's nothing we can do for you right now. Come back when you are worse. With the PerQdisc, there's something that we can do for them now.”

— Luis Tumialan, M.D., Neurosurgeon

What’s next

HonorHealth plans to continue studying the PerQdisc procedure through additional clinical trials to further evaluate its long-term effectiveness and safety.

The takeaway

The PerQdisc procedure represents a significant advancement in the treatment of lower back pain caused by degenerating discs. By providing a minimally invasive option that can restore disc function without limiting mobility, it has the potential to improve quality of life for many middle-aged patients who previously had limited treatment options.