Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

The intervertebral disc is a complex structure that separates opposing vertebrae, permits a wide range of motion, and accommodates high biomechanical forces. Disc degeneration leads to a loss of function and is often associated with excruciating pain. Written by leading scientists and clinicians, the first part of the book provides a review of the basic biology of the disc in health and disease. The second part considers strategies to mitigate the effects of disc degeneration and discusses the possibility of engineering replacement tissues. The final section is devoted to approaches to model normal development and elucidate the pathogenesis of degenerative disc disease using animal, organ and cell culture techniques. The book bridges the gap between the basic and clinical sciences; the target audience includes basic scientists, orthopaedists and neurologists, while at the same time appealing to the needs of graduate students, medical students, interns and fellows.

This open access book focuses on imaging of the musculoskeletal diseases. Over the last few years, there have been considerable advances in this area, driven by clinical as well as technological developments. The authors are all internationally renowned experts in their field. They are also excellent teachers, and provide didactically outstanding chapters. The book is disease-oriented and covers all relevant imaging modalities, with particular emphasis on magnetic resonance imaging. Important aspects of pediatric imaging are also included. IDKD books are completely re-written every four years. As a result, they offer a comprehensive review of the state of the art in imaging. The book is clearly structured with learning objectives, abstracts, subheadings, tables and take-home points, supported by design elements to help readers easily navigate through the text. As an IDKD book, it is particularly valuable for general radiologists, radiology residents, and interventional radiologists who want to update their diagnostic knowledge, and for clinicians interested in imaging as it relates to their specialty.

This easy-to-consult guide examines the most advanced techniques in the radiological evaluation of the disc and degenerative disc disease, using conventional, functional, dynamic and advanced imaging. It provides clear information on a range of CT, X-ray, and MRI guided techniques, presents all disc treatments in connection with symptomatic disc herniations, evaluates conservative, chemical (ESI, steroid, Ozone, ethanol gel injections) and physical treatments (coblation, laser, decompressors, endoscopy), and assesses the possibility of repairing and/or regenerating the disc in the context of reversible disc degeneration. Like other books in the Springer series New Procedures in Spinal Interventional Neuroradiology, this practice-oriented volume will fill a significant gap in the literature and meet the need expressed by many specialists (interventional neuroradiologists and radiologists, neurosurgeons, and orthopedists) for a topical and handy guide that specifically illustrates the currently available materials and methods.

Intervertebral disc degeneration is one of the major causes of lower back pain for which the common therapeutic interventions are not efficient. A search for alternative therapies for lower back pain and intervertebral disc degeneration includes cell-based therapies. Unfortunately, intervertebral disc degeneration is avascular and thus a hostile environment for cell survival. Furthermore, cellular characterization in intervertebral disc degeneration, and particularly in the nucleus pulposus, is controversial, mainly due to lack of specific markers and species variability. This book adds to the knowledge on cellular and molecular therapies for intervertebral disc degeneration and associated lower back pain. Key Selling Features: Describes the ontogeny and phenotype of intervertebral disc cells Reviews the role that inflammation plays in disco-genic pain Highlights the types of cells that might be used as sources for treating degenerating intervertebral discs Summarizes current alternative therapies Explores methods for cell delivery into degenerated intervertebral discs

Advances in Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs and Cats defines our present knowledge of this common clinical problem, compiling information related to the canine and feline intervertebral disc into a single resource. As a comprehensive, focused work, the book is an authoritative reference for understanding and treating disc disease, providing a sound scientific and clinical basis for decision making. Offering an objective synthesis of the current literature, the book supplies guidance on the approach to a potential disc rupture, surgical and medical strategies, and management of the patient. Offering a complete understanding of intervertebral disc disease, the book describes and discusses the controversies and issues surrounding this topic, acknowledging the gaps in our knowledge. Advances in Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs and Cats presents up-to-date, reliable information on this common condition for veterinary surgeons, neurologists, and general practitioners.

Degenerative disc disease is a significant component of spine disorders and lower back pain that now afflicts nearly one third of the adult population. This represents a significant morbidity and cost burden -- nearly a tenth of all health-care spending -- that is only increasing in prevalence as the elderly population continues to grow. While current treatment modalities, ranging from conservative approaches to surgical interventions, are continually evolving, new therapies for intervertebral disc disease are also in development. Increased research on the cellular mechanisms underlying DDD have led to novel cell-based treatments which aim to delay rates of degeneration. Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Prevalence, Risk Factors and Treatments is a comprehensive text on all facets of the disease process that covers the pathophysiology, biomechanics, as well as the location specific pathology and treatment options for degenerative disc disease. Written by nationally renowned experts in neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery of the spine, each chapter is a thorough, cogent discussion of an essential topic related to intervertebral disc degeneration that includes many original, easy to understand figures and illustrations. Also included are overviews of the most cutting-edge and emerging surgical and biologic management options of disc disease at all levels of the spine.