Researchers are now looking at ways to slow or reverse disc degeneration by administering growth factors to promote new extracellular matrix synthesis, according to a study published in Spine.
The researchers prepared intervertebral discs with one of three isolating techniques and put them in free swelling organ culture. When the human intervertebral discs were isolated with intact cartilage end plates, they retained cell viability and didn't experience matrix degeneration when cultured for four weeks on high and low nutrient levels.
If the cartilage endplates were removed before culture or if the bone was retained, there was cell death.
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If the cartilage endplates were removed before culture or if the bone was retained, there was cell death.
Related Articles on Spine Surgery:
Combined CPT and ICD-9-CM Most Specifically Capture Cervical Spine Procedures
Study: Rapid Prototyping Increases Pedicle Screw Placement Accuracy, Decreases Operative Time
Commercial and Custom Probes for Pedicle Screw Insertion Perform the Same, Despite Cost Differences