Stem cells for spine surgery

World J Stem Cells, 2015 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4252/wjsc.v7.i1.186 · Published: January 26, 2015

Simple Explanation

Stem cells are being researched for their potential in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Adult stem cells, harvested from bone marrow, adipose tissue, or blood, can be used to treat various diseases. Stem cell therapy is being explored by spinal surgeons for its potential in treating neural damage, muscle trauma, disk degeneration, and bone fusion. Despite slow progress in translating research to clinical applications, stem cell therapy holds promise for improving spine care and reducing morbidity associated with spine surgery in the future.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Animal models and select clinical trials

Evidence Level

Level 5, Expert Opinion

Key Findings

1
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into osteoblasts and have a significant effect on spinal fusion.
2
Stem cell therapy for Degenerative Disk Disease aims to reconstruct the nucleus pulposus matrix.
3
Transplanted MSCs in spinal cord injury models mainly operate by creating a favorable microenvironment through the secretion of neurotrophic factors.

Research Summary

Stem cells are an increasingly feasible option for treating spinal disorders, with potential in regenerating degenerated disks, healing spinal cord injuries, and aiding bone growth in spinal fusion. Spine fusion benefits from stem cells, particularly MSCs and ADSCs, which can differentiate into bone-forming cells, promoting bony fusion and potentially reducing the need for autograft bone. Stem cell therapy is being explored for spinal cord injuries to promote functional recovery, enhance neuron and axon regeneration, and suppress inflammation, with MSCs favored for their ease of harvest and preservation.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Bone Fusion

Stem cell therapies can potentially improve bone fusion rates in spinal surgeries, reducing the occurrence of pseudoarthrosis and the need for autografts.

Disk Regeneration

Stem cell-based therapies may offer a non-surgical alternative for treating degenerative disk disease by reconstructing the nucleus pulposus matrix.

Spinal Cord Injury Treatment

Stem cell transplantation holds promise for promoting functional recovery after spinal cord injury by enhancing neuron regeneration and suppressing inflammation.

Study Limitations

1
Ethical considerations and cancerogenous risk associated with embryonic stem cell therapy.
2
Potential immune reaction to autologous cell transplantation.
3
Clinical morbidity of adult stem cell harvest.

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