Advances in Spine Treatment

A new study provides some evidence that tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitors can reduce pain and disability in the latter group.

Another promising advance is in the area of gene therapy. This involves using a therapeutic molecule that delivers genetic information to targeted cells in the spine. Viruses, because of their ability to integrate their genetic material into the chromosomes of cells, could deliver genes responsible for the production of growth factors that can stimulate the bone growth needed for healing after fusion surgery.

These developments were showcased in a special issue of The Spine Journal, the journal of the North American Spine Society (NASS, La Grange, IL, USA).

"The use of biologic materials has been one of the most exciting developments in spine care, and continued research will bring many of these projects into the marketplace in spine care,” said Dr. Howard An, editor of the special issue and an orthopedic surgeon at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago (IL, USA).




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