2021 Volume No 41 – pages 370-387
Title: Intervertebral disc degeneration and regeneration: a motion segment perspective |
Authors: B Ashinsky, HE Smith, RL Mauck, SE Gullbrand |
Address: Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Centre,
Research, Building 21, Rm A214, 3900 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA |
E-mail: sgullb at pennmedicine.upenn.edu
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Abstract: Back and neck pain have become primary reasons for disability and healthcare spending globally. While the
causes of back pain are multifactorial, intervertebral disc degeneration is frequently cited as a primary source
of pain. The annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) subcomponents of the disc are common targets
for regenerative therapeutics. However, disc degeneration is also associated with degenerative changes to
adjacent spinal tissues, and successful regenerative therapies will likely need to consider and address the
pathology of adjacent spinal structures beyond solely the disc subcomponents. This review summarises the
current state of knowledge in the field regarding associations between back pain, disc degeneration, and
degeneration of the cartilaginous and bony endplates, the AF-vertebral body interface, the facet joints and
spinal muscles, in addition to a discussion of regenerative strategies for treating pain and degeneration from a whole motion segment perspective.
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Key Words: Nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, cartilage endplate, interface, facet, spinal muscle, tissue
engineering, physical therapy. |
Publication date: March 24th 2021 |
Article download: Pages
370-387 (PDF file) |
