Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using a Novel Autograft Bone Collector is a Cost-Saving Alternative Method for Spinal Fusion Surgery
Introduction: Lumbar spinal fusion surgery is performed to alleviated debilitating back pain symptoms due to a variety of spinal conditions including spondylolisthesis with or without spinal stenosis. Sources of bone graft can include autograph, allograft or bone substitutes. The BoneBac Press (Thompson MIS, Salem, NH) was developed to collect drilled local bone collected during the decompression and or approach (Figs. 1-3). This study analyzed the cost savings and effectiveness of collecting local bone, need for additional allograft, and fusion rates while preforming minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MITLIF).
Novel Device to Achieve Intervertebral Disc Regeneration Using Human Stem Cell Generated Nucleus Pulposus Cells
Introduction: Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is characterized by the loss of nucleus pulposus (NP) leading to disc space collapse which is a common cause of low back pain (Fig. 1). Currently, degenerative disc disease (DDD) has no biological cure and human stem cell therapy is increasingly being considered for its treatment. However, stem cells alone may not be adequate to provide bio-mechanical disc height restoration. Disc restorative technology is being investigated that might restore the bio-mechanical function of the degenerated disc via a process of gradual tissue growth generated distraction (TGGD). Once disc height is restored the injection of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) can restore the biological function of the degenerated disc.
Potential of Human NP-like Cells Derived From Umbilical Cord to Treat Degenerative Disc Disease
Introduction: Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common spinal disorder that manifests with lower back pain (Fig. 1). The degeneration of intervertebral disc (IVD) is characterized by the loss of extracellular matrix and dehydration of the nucleus pulposus (NP) of IVDs (Fig. 2). Currently, there is no biological treatment to cure this debilitating ailment.
Methods: We investigated the efficacy of NP-like cells (NPCs) derived from the umbilical cord (UC) MSCs in restoring degenerated IVDs using a rabbit DDD model (Fig. 3). UC -MSCs were induced to differentiate into NPCs by using differentiation medium (DM) for two weeks, labeled with PKH26 and then injected into the degenerated IVDs (Fig. 4-5).
Minimally Invasive Management of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Regeneration of Intervertebral Disc Using Human Umbilical Cord-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
A recent presentation for the Lumbar Spine Research Society given by Dr. Perez-Cruet. on regeneration of intervertebral disc using human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells.