Intervertebral disc degeneration-Current therapeutic options and challenges.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a common aging process impacting spinal function, causing pain, and affecting overall quality of life.
• Existing treatments for IVDD primarily alleviate low back pain symptoms rather than addressing the root causes or restoring disc mechanics.
• The limitations of current therapies highlight the need for novel approaches to improve patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the genetic and environmental factors contributing to intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD).
• To explore emerging endogenous and exogenous therapeutic strategies for IVDD.
• To assess the clinical applicability and relevance of these novel therapies in the context of disc degeneration.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of genetic and environmental causes of IVDD.
• Analysis of current and emerging therapeutic modalities for intervertebral disc degeneration.
• Evaluation of the mechanisms, potential, and limitations of discussed therapies.

Main Results:

• Identified key genetic and environmental risk factors implicated in IVDD.
• Detailed promising endogenous therapies (e.g., cell-based) and exogenous approaches (e.g., biomaterials).
• Highlighted the potential of these advanced therapies to restore disc structure and function.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the etiology of IVDD is crucial for developing effective treatments.
• Novel therapeutic strategies offer hope for restoring intervertebral disc function beyond symptom management.
• Further research and clinical translation are needed to realize the full potential of these regenerative approaches for IVDD.