Future uses of mesenchymal stem cells in spine surgery.
Stem cells are currently being studied for use in numerous clinical applications, ranging from neurodegenerative diseases to cardiac insufficiency. The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in spine surgery is also compelling, especially with the increasing age of the general population. In this review the authors discuss the use of MSCs for intervertebral disc repair and regeneration and for use in spinal arthrodesis procedures. Clearly, the routine use of cellular therapies by spine surgeons to improve outcome after a variety of surgical procedures is rapidly approaching.
Helm
Gregory A
GA
Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA. gah9r@virginia.edu
Gazit
Zulma
Z
D001861:Bone Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D017586:Diskectomy / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D013131:Spine / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*