BACKGROUND Spondylolytic (or lytic) spondylolisthesis is often associated with disc degeneration at the index-level; however, it is not clear if disc degeneration is the cause or the consequence of lytic spondylolisthesis. The main objective of this computed tomography based finite element modelling study was to examine the role of different grades of disc degeneration in the progression of a b...

The sagittal balance plays an important role in the determination of shear and compressive forces applied on the anterior (vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs) and posterior (facet joints) elements of the lumbar vertebral column. Many studies have also examined the effect of structural changes in the disc on the biomechanical characteristics of the spinal segment. Nevertheless, the relati...

Degenerative disc disease is a serious health problem worldwide, whose etiological basis – mechanical stimulus, biochemical changes, or natural aging – is poorly understood. While the disc’s known function is that of dynamic shock absorber, its dynamic response has not been fully characterized throughout the disc health spectrum (from healthy to degenerate). Therefore, this study aimed to corre...

The intervertebral disc is a cartilaginous structure that resembles articular cartilage in its biochemistry, but morphologically it is clearly different. It shows degenerative and ageing changes earlier than does any other connective tissue in the body. It is believed to be important clinically because there is an association of disc degeneration with back pain. Current treatments are predomina...

Degeneration of the lumbar intervertebral disc is a common cause of low back pain and leg pain that affects the physical and mental health of the patient and increases the social burden. This study was performed to observe the biological effects of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated osteogenic protein-1 (OP1) and SOX9 double gene co-transfection in rabbit intervertebral disc degeneration in ...