Hydrogel-Based Strategies for Intervertebral Disc Regeneration: Advances, Challenges and Clinical Prospects
Shivam U Desai1, Sai Sadhananth Srinivasan2, Sangamesh Gurappa Kumbar2
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Central Michigan University, College of Medicine, Saginaw, MI 48602, USA.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 22, 2024
Summary
Hydrogels show promise for treating intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, offering a disease-modifying approach beyond symptom control. This review explores hydrogel applications for IVD repair and regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration causes widespread low back pain and disability.
- Aging leads to nucleus pulposus dehydration and annulus fibrosus fissures, resulting in herniation or collapse.
- Current treatments focus on symptom management, lacking disease-modifying options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest advancements in hydrogel technology for intervertebral disc (IVD) repair.
- To highlight the potential of hydrogels as disease-modifying treatments for IVD degeneration.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on hydrogel applications for intervertebral disc (IVD) repair.
- Analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies investigating hydrogel efficacy.
- Summary of hydrogel properties relevant to IVD regeneration.
Main Results:
- Hydrogels possess biocompatibility and tunable mechanical properties.
- Hydrogels can absorb and retain water, mimicking native nucleus pulposus.
- Numerous hydrogels have been explored for IVD repair, with some nearing clinical application.
Conclusions:
- Hydrogels offer a promising avenue for effective intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration treatment.
- Further research and clinical translation of hydrogel technology are warranted.
- Hydrogels represent a significant advancement over current symptom-focused therapies for IVD disorders.
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