The Spine Journal ™ releases “Biologics and Bioactive Materials” supplement
LaGrange, IL – November 2005 - The Spine Journal™ (TSJ™), the official journal of the North American Spine Society (NASS), release a special issue showcasing the latest research in the areas of spine biologics and bioactive materials Tuesday, November 1st. Researchers say biologics could be the future of spine surgery. The issue is the brainchild of Drs. Howard An and Frank M. Phillips of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL.
Multidisciplinary spine care has come a long way in offering relief for patients suffering from spine disease or injury, and even providing relief from the natural process of degeneration that tends to come with aging. Spine researchers are investigating a new type of spine treatment options called "spine biologics" that work with the body's natural processes to assist in healing after surgery or to provide alternative products that can be implanted to mimic the normal function of diseased or degenerated spine components.
“The use of biologic material in spine surgery has been one of the most exciting developments in spine care and continued research will bring many of these projects into the market place in the future,” said Dr. An.
These new technologies in development focus on two primary areas for the spine: therapies to assist healing for patients who undergo a spine fusion procedure, and treatments for patients who have injured or diseased intervertebral discs (the cushions between the vertebra that allow movement.)
The 130-page-supplement contains 14 original research papers covering three main areas of biologics research: Spinal Fusion, Disc Regeneration and Kyphoplasty and Nucleus Pulposus Prosthesis. Below is a list of the articles featured in the supplement:
Spinal Fusion
Biologics in Spinal Surgery: Introduction and Overview
Animal Models for Spinal Fusion
Demineralized Bone Matrix for Spinal Fusion
Carrier Materials for Spinal Fusion:
Cell Technologies for Spinal Fusion:
Bone Morphogenic Proteins (BMPs) for Spinal Fusion
Gene Therapy for Spinal Fusion
Disc Regeneration
Molecular Pathogenic Factors in Degenerative Disc Disease
Animal Models for Disc Repair
Molecular Therapy of the Intervertebral Disc
Gene Therapy for Disc Repair
Cell-based Therapy for Disc Repair
Kyphoplasty & Nucleus Pulposus Prosthesis
Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty – Filler Materials
Nucleus Pulposus Replacement – An Emerging Technology
The “Spine Biologic and Bioactive Materials” supplement discusses biologic technologies aimed at repairing or regenerating the degenerated disc in hopes of avoiding spinal fusion or disc prosthetic replacement and reveals exciting experimental results using growth factors, BMPs, cell-based therapy and gene therapy in vitro and in animal models. This research gives promise for the future possibility of biologics repair or regeneration of the human disc. With continued research and development, researchers are looking to integrate these treatments into everyday practice.
To obtain a copy of the “Spine Biologics and Bioactive Materials” supplement of The Spine Journal™, or to schedule an interview with any of the participating authors, please contact NASS at (630) 230-3600.
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NASS is a multidisciplinary medical organization dedicated to fostering the highest quality, evidence-based, and ethical spine care by promoting education, research, and advocacy. Since its start in 1985, NASS has grown to nearly 4,000 members in 22 spine-related specialties. NASS members are MDs, DOs, and PhDs, including orthopedics, neurosurgery, physiatry, pain management, and other disciplines. Nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, chiropractors, physical therapists, practice administrators, and other allied health care professionals involved in spine care are also represented as affiliate members.
For further information, contact:
North American Spine Society
Toll-free: (866) 960-6277 Direct: (630) 230-3600
or
Kathleen Hansen
(630) 933-9477