European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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There is increasing interest in the development of cell therapy as a possible approach for the treatment of degenerative disc disease. To regenerate nucleus pulposus tissue, the cells must produce an appropriate proteoglycan-rich matrix, as this is essential for the functioning of the intervertebral disc. The natural environment within the disc is very challenging to implanted cells, particularly if they have been subcultured in normal laboratory conditions. The purpose of this work is to discuss parameters relevant to translating different proposed cell therapies of IVD into clinical use. ⋯ This article discusses parameters relevant for successful translation of research on different cell sources into clinically applicable cell therapies: the influence of the intervertebral disc microenvironment on the cell phenotype, issues associated with cell culture and technical preparation of cell products, as well as discussing current regulatory requirements. There are advantages and disadvantages of each proposed cell type, but no strong evidence to favour any one particular cell source at the moment.
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To validate the German version of the spinal stenosis measure (SSM), a disease-specific questionnaire assessing symptom severity, physical function, and satisfaction with treatment in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. ⋯ One hundred and eight consecutive patients were included in this validation study, recruited from five different centers. Cronbach's alpha was above 0.8 for all three subscales of the SSM. The objectivity of the SSM was assessed using a partial credit approach. The model showed a good global fit to the data. Of the 108 patients 78 participated in the test-retest procedure. The ICC values were above 0.8 for all three subscales of the SSM. Correlations with reference scales were above 0.7 for the symptom and function subscales. For satisfaction subscale, it was 0.66 or above. Clinically meaningful changes of the reference scales over time were associated with significantly more improvement in all three SSM subscales (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The proposed version of the SSM showed very good measurement properties and can be considered validated for use in the German language.
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To investigate what interventions can improve walking ability in neurogenic claudication with lumbar spinal stenosis. ⋯ Current evidence for surgical and non-surgical treatment to improve walking ability is of low and very low quality and thus prohibits recommendations to guide clinical practice.
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Mechanical loading represents an integral part of intervertebral disc (IVD) homeostasis. This review aims to summarise recent knowledge on the effects of mechanical loads on the IVD and the disc cells, taking into consideration the changes that IVDs undergo during ageing and degeneration, from the macroscopic to the cellular and subcellular level. ⋯ Disc cells are exposed to a wide range of mechanical loads, and the biochemical environment influences their responses. Degeneration-associated alterations of the disc matrix change the biochemical environment of disc cells and also the mechanical properties of the disc matrix. Recent studies indicate that these factors interact and regulate disc matrix turnover.
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The aim of this study is to precisely illustrate the pedicle-ossification tunnel (POT)-a spinal cord-free pathway in upper facet joint en bloc resection, which was reported as a comparatively neurological safer decompression surgery for thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF). ⋯ POT is a spinal cord-free pathway between OLF bloc and its neighboring pedicles in thoracic spinal stenosis which can be applied in neuron preserved decompression surgery.