Tissue Engineering a Biological Repair Strategy for Lumbar Disc Herniation.

ABSTRACT: The intervertebral disc is a critical part of the intersegmental soft tissue of the spinal column, providing flexibility and mobility, while absorbing large complex loads. Spinal disease, including disc herniation and degeneration, may be a significant contributor to low back pain. Clinically, disc herniations are treated with both nonoperative and operative methods. Operative treatment for disc herniation includes removal of the herniated material when neural compression occurs. While this strategy may have short-term advantages over nonoperative methods, the remaining disc material is not addressed and surgery for mild degeneration may have limited long-term advantage over nonoperative methods. Furthermore, disc herniation and surgery significantly alter the mechanical function of the di

SUBMITTER: O'Connell GD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4652242 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature