Research on Cervical Disc Herniation

The lines of research are centred on:

• The regeneration of both the cervical and the lumbar vertebral discs. Therapies using injections with platelets or injection of stem cells, which look for a new approach in creation of cartilage-forming cell lines. These techniques still do not have the definitive scientific support.
• To improve the diagnosis with dynamic NMR scans. Their aim is to improve the assessment of the dynamic situation of the inter-vertebral discs in an adapted situation that is more similar to that of daily reality (in movement) and offers an improved assessment of the dysfunctional movements due to a rupture or ligamentous hyperlaxity. It enables the holes (foramen) to be assessed, as well as their changes with flexion-extension movements.
• Dynamic artificial disc replacements. One of the surgical treatments for a symptomatic degeneration of the cervical disc with or without associated herniation, is the replacement of the disc with a dynamic artificial one that simulates normal disc movements. In this regard, there are many lines of research where different mechanisms are being developed in order to simulate with greater precision the movements of a normal disc, stronger and more resistant.