Combined nucleus pulposus augmentation and annulus fibrosus repair prevents acute intervertebral disc degeneration after discectomy.

TitleCombined nucleus pulposus augmentation and annulus fibrosus repair prevents acute intervertebral disc degeneration after discectomy.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsSloan SR, Wipplinger C, Kirnaz S, Navarro-Ramirez R, Schmidt F, McCloskey D, Pannellini T, Schiavinato A, Härtl R, Bonassar LJ
JournalSci Transl Med
Volume12
Issue534
Date Published2020 03 11
ISSN1946-6242
Abstract

Tissue-engineered approaches for the treatment of early-stage intervertebral disc degeneration have shown promise in preclinical studies. However, none of these therapies has been approved for clinical use, in part because each therapy targets only one aspect of the intervertebral disc's composite structure. At present, there is no reliable method to prevent intervertebral disc degeneration after herniation and subsequent discectomy. Here, we demonstrate the prevention of degeneration and maintenance of mechanical function in the ovine lumbar spine after discectomy by combining strategies for nucleus pulposus augmentation using hyaluronic acid injection and repair of the annulus fibrosus using a photocrosslinked collagen patch. This combined approach healed annulus fibrosus defects, restored nucleus pulposus hydration, and maintained native torsional and compressive stiffness up to 6 weeks after injury. These data demonstrate the necessity of a combined strategy for arresting intervertebral disc degeneration and support further translation of combinatorial interventions to treat herniations in the human spine.

DOI10.1126/scitranslmed.aay2380
Alternate JournalSci Transl Med
PubMed ID32161108