Speaker:

Dr. Michele MarcolongoDrexel University

Title:

Innovation in Intervertebral Disc Restoration:  Early Interventions for Lower Back Pain

Location:

Room 698, Fenster Hall

Abstract:

Lower back pain due to degenerative disc degeneration is one of the leading musculoskeletal disorders confronting our health system.  According to various estimates, 15%-20% of the population experiences lower back pain annually.  This irreversible process leads to loss of mechanical stability with the potential for neurologic compromise.  While vertebral fusion and total disc replacement provide pain relief for end-stage intervertebral disc degeneration, early diagnosis and treatment for disc degeneration is limited.  We are investigating minimally invasive solutions for early disc degeneration with the goal of eliminating back pain by stabilizing the disc mechanics.  In this work we have developed hydrogels that form a minimally invasive injectable nucleus replacement for the central region of the disc.   The materials design and characterization and implant biomechanics have led to a solution that will restore mechanical behavior of the implanted disc to that of the intact control.  In addition, better diagnosis for early back pain would allow more precise diagnosis and treatment of early disc degeneration with the array of new devices that are currently emerging as surgical options.  We report on a double quantum filtered method of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy that may lead to better diagnosis of early disc degeneration.  The goal of this work is to provide more minimally invasive and earlier treatment options for the large number of patients who are suffering from this debilitating condition.