Fibrin Disc Repair

Fibrin disc repair is a minimally invasive treatment for chronic back pain caused by damaged or torn spinal discs. Fibrin, a biologic involved in the body’s natural healing, is injected into the disc to help seal tears and stabilize it. At Total Spine and Orthopedics, fibrin disc repair is performed as Total Disc Revive.

Illustration of a herniated disc from an annular tear pressing on a nerve root
Illustration of a fibrin injection into a spinal disc

The Science Of Fibrin Disc Repair

Fibrin is a naturally occurring protein that the body uses to form clots and begin repairing injured tissue. When injected into a disc, it can fill and help seal tears in the outer ring, the annulus fibrosus, where pain-sensing nerve fibers are found.
 
Once the tears are sealed, the disc may better retain fluid and biologic material, which may support the body’s ability to replenish damaged cells and promote healthier disc tissue. At Total Spine and Orthopedics, this technique is offered as Total Disc Revive.

Fibrin Disc Repair At Total Spine

Total Disc Revive: our fibrin disc repair procedure

Total Disc Revive is the fibrin disc repair procedure performed at Total Spine and Orthopedics. Learn who it is for, how the procedure works, and what to expect.

  • Minimally invasive, injection-based disc repair.
  • Uses fibrin that is FDA-approved for medical use.
  • May offer an alternative to spinal fusion in many cases.
Learn about Total Disc Revive →

Conditions Fibrin Disc Repair Treats

Is Fibrin Disc Repair Right For You?

Fibrin disc repair is considered for patients whose chronic pain comes primarily from a damaged or torn disc, confirmed by an examination and MRI, after conservative care has not helped.
 
If you already have MRI imaging, you can sign up for our free MRI review.
Spine model showing a needle placed into an intervertebral disc

How Fibrin Disc Repair Works

Fibrin disc repair targets the underlying structural damage within a spinal disc:

  1. 1

    Small tears form

    The outer layer of the disc develops small tears.

  2. 2

    Nerves are irritated

    Inner gel-like material irritates nearby nerves and contributes to pain.

  3. 3

    Fibrin is injected

    FDA-approved fibrin is injected directly into the damaged disc.

  4. 4

    Tears are sealed

    The fibrin helps seal the tears while supporting the body's natural repair.

Disc Repair Or Disc Removal?

Different disc problems call for different approaches.

Fibrin disc repair

Seal and stabilize

For a painful, torn disc

  • Treats pain coming from the disc itself.
  • Seals tears without removing tissue.
  • May be an alternative to fusion in many cases.

Discectomy

Remove and decompress

For a disc pressing on a nerve

  • Treats radiating arm or leg pain from a herniation.
  • Removes the disc fragment compressing the nerve.
  • Learn more about discectomy.

Your specialist will determine which approach fits the source of your pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is fibrin?

Fibrin is a naturally occurring protein involved in the body's clotting and healing processes. It forms a mesh that helps seal and stabilize injured tissue.

What is fibrin disc repair?

Fibrin disc repair is a minimally invasive technique in which fibrin is injected into a damaged spinal disc to help seal tears in its outer wall and support the body's natural healing response.

Why do disc tears cause pain?

The outer ring of the disc contains pain-sensing nerve fibers. When it tears, the inner gel-like material can leak and irritate nearby nerves, contributing to ongoing back or neck pain.

Is the fibrin FDA-approved?

The fibrin used for injection is FDA-approved for medical use. In this context, it is used to help seal tears within compromised discs.

How is fibrin disc repair different from a discectomy?

A discectomy removes disc material that is pressing on a nerve. Fibrin disc repair aims to seal and stabilize a damaged disc that is itself the source of pain, without removing tissue.

Can fibrin disc repair replace fusion?

In many cases, this approach may offer an alternative to more invasive procedures such as spinal fusion, for patients whose pain comes from a torn disc.

Where can I get fibrin disc repair?

At Total Spine and Orthopedics, fibrin disc repair is offered as Total Disc Revive.

How do I know if fibrin disc repair is right for me?

An evaluation and MRI confirm whether a torn or damaged disc is causing your pain. Request a free MRI review or call (321) 499-4646.

Goals Of Fibrin Disc Repair

By sealing disc tears with fibrin, the procedure aims to:

  • Close the tears within the disc.
  • Reduce irritation to surrounding nerves.
  • Help the disc retain fluid and biologic material.
  • Promote healthier disc tissue through the body's own repair.
  • Reduce pain and support the body's ability to repair injured tissue.

Related Treatments

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Fibrin disc repair as Total Disc Revive

    Our Total Disc Revive procedure uses fibrin disc repair for selected patients with discogenic pain.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

Schedule your visit online

Take the next step and schedule an appointment today

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
Do you want to be contacted via text message?