Lead researcher
A/Prof Tony Goldschlager
Main finding
Mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs), a type of bone marrow derived adult stem cell, when culture with pentosan polysulfate, a veterinary arthritis medication, were "primed" and promoted intervertebral disc regeneration following lumbar discectomy in a large animal model.
Centre
The Ritchie Centre
Research group
Monash Neurosurgery Research Group
Journal and article title
Most surprising
"Priming" the stem cells prior to insertion into the intervertebral disc increased the ability of the stem cells to regenerate the intervertebral disc
Future implications
This study demonstrate a way to improve lumbar discectomy surgery, the most common spine surgery procedure performed worldwide, and may serve to reduce the number of patients who experience chronic back pain, disc reherniation or undergo further surgical intervention due to ongoing disc degeneration.
Disease/health impact
Back pain