Disk Degeneration Higher than Reported in the Youth at this Hospital

disk degeneration

Goal of the Study? The goal of this study1 was to have a closer look at the younger population’s lower back MRI findings. Most epidemiological investigations on youth and back pain MRIs have looked at developed countries. In this study, the researchers looked at an underdeveloped country, Uganda, along with the youth’s clinical features of […]

Tensile forces create spinal spurs | Biomechanical Evaluation of Spondylophyte Development

Spondylophyte osteophyte

Goal of the Study? Bone spurs that project off vertebral bodies (spondylophytes) are common. However, the causes of their development are somewhat curious. Are these vertebral spurs due to tensile (stretching/lengthening) forces, or are they due to compressive forces? In this study1 these researchers sought to find some answers. Why are they doing this study? […]

Low Rate Loading Regenerated Degenerated Discs

Regenerated

Goal of the Study? The regenerative potential of a degenerated disc has been questioned over the years. In this ISSLS prize-winning study1, these researchers looked at a particular low load rate, a special rate they have been investigating for years. Discs have a propensity to degenerate, likely due to their avascularity and nutrient supply routes, but […]

Fundamentals of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Goal of the Study? In this review article from the Annals of Weill Cornell Neurological Surgery1 the authors’ goals were twofold:  a) Cover the underlying pathophysiology and risk factors of Degenerative Disc Disease and b) Provide a comprehensive summary of the development, structural, radiological and biomechanical properties of human Intervertebral discs.   Why are they […]

Increased Expression in Nucleus Pulposus Cells in Response to High Oxygen

IVDD

Goal of the Study? In this qualitative primary research study from the Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity Journal 1 the authors’ goal was to determine the potential role of the Integrin Alpha 6 receptor in the inner nucleus pulposus in response to high oxygen tension in intervertebral disc degeneration.   Why are they doing this […]

Clinical and MRI findings in degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis

Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Goal of the Study? In this cross-sectional study from the European Spine Journal 1  the authors’ primary goal was to describe the relationship between MRI findings in patients planned for degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS) surgery and examine if any association exists between MRI findings and patient’s disability and pain attributes.   Why are they […]