JOR Spine最新文献

{"title":"Fetal Pathogenesis of Scoliosis Suggested by Asymmetry of Gene Expression in Paravertebral Muscles","authors":"Tian Cheng,&nbsp;Gamze Yazgeldi Gunaydin,&nbsp;Elisabet Einarsdottir,&nbsp;Sini Ezer,&nbsp;Juha Kere,&nbsp;Shintaro Katayama,&nbsp;Paul Gerdhem","doi":"10.1002/jsp2.70214","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jsp2.70214","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The dysfunction of paravertebral muscles may contribute to the development of idiopathic scoliosis. Several candidate genes have been linked to scoliosis, but the underlying mechanisms and cell types remain unclear.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We initially included 40 idiopathic scoliosis cases and 19 controls. Muscle biopsies were obtained bilaterally in the cases, and at least unilaterally in the controls. RNA sequencing, differential gene expression analysis and gene set enrichment analysis were performed between cases and controls, and between convex and concave sides in the cases. Hounsfield units (HU) in paravertebral muscles from preoperative CT were assessed at biopsy sites in cases.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Qualified transcriptome analysis included 56 samples (30 convex, 26 concave) from 35 scoliosis cases and 22 samples from 17 controls. Among 14 212 expressed genes included in the downstream analysis, 22 differentially expressed genes were identified between cases and controls and 16 between convex and concave sides. Scoliosis cases showed decreased fetal muscle and immune cells. On the convex side, fibro-adipogenic progenitors, endothelial cell types, satellite cells and myeloid cells were reduced, whereas fetal skeletal muscle cells were increased. Morphological asymmetry was verified by the HU findings.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>These results indicate asymmetric gene expression profiles between the convex and concave paraspinal muscles and support the hypothesis that idiopathic scoliosis may have a fetal developmental component, with the convex side exhibiting molecular signatures consistent with greater muscle mass.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":14876,"journal":{"name":"JOR Spine","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/jsp2.70214","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148783637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effect of Single Level and Multilevel Cervical Fusion on Adjacent Segment Motion: A Biomechanical Analysis","authors":"Kyle W. Morse,&nbsp;Kathleen N. Meyers,&nbsp;Patrick F. O'Leary,&nbsp;Timothy M. Wright,&nbsp;Darren R. Lebl","doi":"10.1002/jsp2.70208","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jsp2.70208","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cervical arthrodesis is a common surgical technique utilized to treat many cervical spinal pathologies. The risk of re-operation due to symptomatic adjacent segment disease (ASD) remains steady, and the cause of ASD, whether rigid fixation or disease progression, remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to develop a cervical fusion model and analyze motion of the subaxial cervical spine adjacent segments following single level, two-level, and three-level spine fusion.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A in vitro cervical arthrodesis biomechanics model was developed utilizing nine fresh-frozen cervical spine specimens. Each spine underwent non-destructive testing in flexion, extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending using a six degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator. Following intact specimen testing, testing was repeated after C5-C6, C4-C6, C5-C7, C4-C7 fusions. Changes in range of motion among tests were calculated at each segment.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The cervical arthrodesis model showed reduced motion significantly at all fused levels. Following single level fusion at C5-C6, no statistically significant increases in adjacent segment motion occurred in any testing condition (<i>p</i> &gt; 0.05). Fusion between C4-C6 resulted in increased motion during flexion at C2-C3 (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Two-level fusion between C5-C7 resulted in increased flexion at C2-C3 (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) and C4-C5 (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). Lastly, three-level fusion from C4-C7 produced significant changes in extension at C2-C3 (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.01), C3-C4 (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.01), and C4-C5 (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.01), in flexion at C2-C3 (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.01) and C4-C5 (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), right axial rotation at C2-C3 (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) and left axial rotation at C2-C3 (<i>p</i> = 0.001), C3-C4 (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.02), and C4-C5 (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We successfully developed a rigid cervical arthrodesis model and tested specimens in single, two-level, and three-level cervical fusion. No increases were found in adjacent segments following single level fusion and non-contiguous motion was increased following C4-6 fusion. Three-level fusion showed the greatest change in adjacent segment motion.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":14876,"journal":{"name":"JOR Spine","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13463742/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148725349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Human In Vivo Disc Mechanics in Flexion, Extension, and Diurnal Loading With Aging and Degeneration","authors":"Harrah R. Newman,&nbsp;John M. Peloquin,&nbsp;Edward J. Vresilovic,&nbsp;Dawn M. Elliott","doi":"10.1002/jsp2.70211","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jsp2.70211","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The intervertebral disc serves a critical role in spine function, but with aging and degeneration the disc undergoes changes that alter disc mechanics, and degeneration is often implicated in low back pain. The objective of this study was to quantify and evaluate the impact of aging and degeneration on in vivo lumbar disc mechanics across the lifespan.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Repeated MRI was performed at a reference state and three loading states: <i>flexion</i>, <i>extension</i>, and <i>diurnal</i> loading for 84 subjects (evenly distributed by sex and age group from 18 to 83 years old). Intervertebral disc deformations were evaluated between the reference and loading states by change in wedge angle, anterior–posterior (A-P) Shear displacement, and axial strain.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Flexion induced the greatest changes in the lower discs of young subjects, but this shifted toward the central discs in older subjects. Flexion induced a gradient of anterior shear displacement in the upper levels and posterior shear displacement in the lower levels that was maintained across all ages. Extension had opposite trends in A-P shear displacement with respect to level, with young subjects having greater posterior shear displacement at L1-L2 and greater anterior shear displacement at L5-S1 than older subjects. Extension also had large changes in wedge angle between L1 and L3. Diurnal loading consistently induced compression across all disc regions. Diurnal change in disc height was age-dependent, with greater disc height loss in younger subjects.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Using MRI repeated in different loading states, we established a reference for expected disc behavior with controlled loading with aging, degeneration, and by disc level. Deviations in lumbar disc mechanical behavior from the reference baseline provided by this work may provide a useful marker of disc pathology.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":14876,"journal":{"name":"JOR Spine","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13454735/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148706633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Galectin-4: A Novel Mediator of Human Intervertebral Disc Degeneration","authors":"Christine Strauss,&nbsp;Daniel Djojic,&nbsp;Johannes Stadlmann,&nbsp;Josef Georg Grohs,&nbsp;Jürgen Alphonsus,&nbsp;Sebastian Schmidt,&nbsp;Sabine André,&nbsp;Katharina Margareta Pichler,&nbsp;Sara Savic-Ivanovic,&nbsp;Melanie Cezanne,&nbsp;Mario Rothbauer,&nbsp;Reinhard Windhager,&nbsp;Stefan Toegel","doi":"10.1002/jsp2.70194","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jsp2.70194","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is associated with severe clinical symptoms including chronic back pain. Galectins are a family of carbohydrate-binding proteins, some of which can induce functional disease markers in IVD cells and other musculoskeletal tissues. Galectin-4 and -8 were shown to trigger disease-promoting activity in chondrocytes, but their effects on IVD cells have not been investigated yet.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>IVD specimens from 36 patients with spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, and scoliosis were assessed immunohistochemically for the presence of galectin-4 and -8. The degrees of radiological (Pfirrmann grade) and histopathological (Rutges score) degeneration of all specimens were correlated with histological galectin scores. To assess galectin functions, separate cell cultures of annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) (<i>n</i> = 21) were established. Cell cultures were treated with recombinant galectin-4, -8 (24 μg/mL), or Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (10 ng/mL) and analyzed using RT-qPCR and In-Cell Western (ICW). Potential binding sites for galectins including sialylated N-glycans and LacdiNAc structures were determined in AF and NP cells using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The immunohistochemical presence of galectin-4 in IVD specimens correlated with histopathological and clinical degeneration scores of patients, whereas galectin-8 did not show significant correlations. Both galectins were detected across IVD compartments except for the endplate. In vitro, both galectins activated the nuclear factor-kB pathway and induced functional disease markers (Interleukin-8 (CXCL8) and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) mRNA). NP cells were more responsive to galectins and IL-1β than AF cells, indicating region-specific differences in galectin sensitivity.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study identifies galectin-4 as a novel molecular player in the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":14876,"journal":{"name":"JOR Spine","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13444353/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148684628","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Surviving the Nucleus Pulposus Desert: Next-Generation Strategies for Intervertebral Disc Cell Therapy","authors":"Tynhinane Hamidouche,&nbsp;Namdev More,&nbsp;Tiffany Lee,&nbsp;Mia Orr,&nbsp;Anne Camus,&nbsp;Devina Purmessur,&nbsp;Sarah E. Gulbrand,&nbsp;Nadeen O. Chahine,&nbsp;Lara Silverman,&nbsp;Dmitriy Sheyn","doi":"10.1002/jsp2.70207","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jsp2.70207","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 <section>\u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 <p>Low back pain remains the leading cause of disability worldwide, with intervertebral disc degeneration representing a major biological contributor. Although cell-based therapies have shown promise in preclinical models, clinical translation has yielded modest and inconsistent outcomes. Accumulating evidence suggests that therapeutic failure reflects not only limitations in cell source or differentiation potential, but also the hostile biochemical and biomechanical microenvironment of the degenerative disc. Hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, acidity, lactate accumulation, fibrosis, senescence, inflammation, and abnormal mechanical loading collectively impair cell survival, integration, and long-term function.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 <section>\u0000 <h3> Method</h3>\u0000 <p>We performed a comprehensive review of the literature using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, with emphasis on studies published between 2020 and 2026. Evidence was critically evaluated to examine advances in cell-based therapies for IVDD, including cell sources, mechanisms of repair, biomaterial-assisted delivery systems, microenvironment-targeted strategies, translational studies, and emerging technologies that enhance regenerative efficacy.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 <section>\u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 <p>Current evidence indicates that successful disc regeneration depends not only on selecting an appropriate therapeutic cell source but also on overcoming the biological constraints imposed by the degenerative niche. We critically compare the regenerative potential of mesenchymal stromal cells, nucleus pulposus cells, and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived therapies, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations. We further discuss how biomaterial carriers, extracellular vesicles, developmental biology-guided differentiation, genetic engineering, preconditioning approaches, and smart delivery platforms are being integrated to improve cell survival, phenotype stability, extracellular matrix restoration, and functional repair.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 <section>\u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 <p>Future success in intervertebral disc regeneration will require integrated therapeutic strategies that combine optimized cell sources with biomaterial-assisted delivery, microenvironment modulation, and precision bioengineering. Advancing these complementary approaches will be essential for achieving durable biological repair, restoring disc structure and function, and translating regenerative therapies into effective clinical treatments for patients with degenerative disc disease.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":14876,"journal":{"name":"JOR Spine","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13440357/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148678005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spatial Investigation of Facet Joint Cartilage Properties Reveals Specific Structure–Function Relationships","authors":"Luisa de Roy,&nbsp;Ann-Kathrin Greiner-Perth,&nbsp;Graciosa Quelhas Teixeira,&nbsp;Benjamin Mayer,&nbsp;Hans-Joachim Wilke,&nbsp;Andreas Martin Seitz,&nbsp;Christian Liebsch","doi":"10.1002/jsp2.70209","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/jsp2.70209","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Facet joints are highly susceptible to osteoarthritis, which can manifest in distinct patterns of cartilage degeneration across the facet joint surfaces. Understanding how cartilage structure translates into functional properties of the tissue may help to identify regions that are, from a biomechanical perspective, at higher risk for degenerative changes. Therefore, this in vitro study aimed to determine structure–function relationships based on spatially assessed surface properties of intact facet joint cartilage.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Biomechanical properties were assessed by spatial stress-relaxation tests, which were performed at 12 measurement points on the cartilage surfaces of six inferior and six superior ovine facets, respectively. Cartilage thickness was determined at corresponding locations by the needle penetration method. Spatial histological analyses were performed to assess collagen and glycosaminoglycan contents, quantified from Picrosirius-red- and Safranin-O-stained sections, respectively. Differences between inferior and superior facets were analyzed using linear-mixed models; structure–function relationships were analyzed using Spearman's correlation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cartilage thickness and glycosaminoglycan coverage were significantly higher at superior facets (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). Biomechanical properties did not significantly differ between inferior and superior facets (<i>p</i> ≥ 0.05). The relaxation behavior indicated a significant (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) positive correlation with cartilage thickness at inferior facets (<i>ρ</i> = 0.606) and with glycosaminoglycan coverage at superior facets (<i>ρ</i> = 0.597).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The biomechanical behavior of intact ovine facet cartilage was associated with its structure and the assessed properties indicated spatial variation across the facet joint surface. Overall, this study highlights the importance of topographic characterization of human facet cartilage to better understand facet osteoarthritis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":14876,"journal":{"name":"JOR Spine","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/jsp2.70209","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148617344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transgenic Conversion of Omega-6 to Omega-3 Fatty Acids via fat-1 Reduces Obesity-Related Intervertebral Disc Degeneration","authors":"Shirley N. Tang,&nbsp;Kristin L. Lenz,&nbsp;Emma Shen,&nbsp;Collin Murray,&nbsp;Nikitha Ada,&nbsp;Sarada Prasad,&nbsp;Mohammed Kuziez,&nbsp;Farshid Guilak,&nbsp;Arin K. Oestreich","doi":"10.1002/jsp2.70206","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jsp2.70206","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Introduction</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Low back pain is a leading cause of disability, largely due to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Obesity is a risk factor for IVD degeneration and promotes the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from adipocytes, leading to inflammation and triggering catabolic degenerative pathways. Western diets high in omega-6 fatty acids (n-6 FAs) exacerbate inflammation and obesity, increasing the risk for musculoskeletal diseases. Conversely, omega-3 (n-3) FA enriched diets may mitigate these adverse effects. The nonmammalian <i>fat-1</i> gene converts n-6 to n-3 FAs, thereby reducing n-6:n-3 ratios and systemic inflammation. This study aims to elucidate the role of n-6:n-3 FA ratios in IVD degeneration by comparing wildtype (WT) and <i>fat-1</i> transgenic mice fed n-6 enriched HFD (n-6 HFD).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Male and female WT and <i>fat-1</i> transgenic mice were fed control or n-6-HFD. Body composition (weight, adiposity) and disc height index (DHI) were assessed at 16 weeks of age using microCT imaging. Chronic effects were evaluated at 60 weeks of age via serum cytokines (inflammatory panel), bone parameters (microCT), DHI, and histological grading of H&amp;E staining.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>At 16 weeks, HFD increased adiposity, while <i>fat-1</i> mice exhibited reduced weight gain. In vivo microCT revealed lower DHI in HFD-fed animals but higher DHI in <i>fat-1</i> groups, with sex and lumbar level differences. At 60 weeks, inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-17A) were elevated in the serum of WT HFD mice compared to <i>fat-1</i> HFD mice. Histopathological staining revealed increased fibrosis, cell loss, and matrix disorganization in the IVDs of HFD-fed WT mice. However, IVDs of <i>fat-1</i> mice were protected from the degenerative effects of HFD.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Lowering the n-6:n-3 FA ratio via endogenous <i>fat-1</i> activity modulates systemic inflammatory profiles in a sex-dependent manner and protects against obesity-driven IVD degeneration. These findings highlight the potential of dietary interventions or <i>fat-1</i> gene therapy for treating obesity-associated IVD pathology.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":14876,"journal":{"name":"JOR Spine","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13403037/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148602919","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Semi-Automated μCT-Based Modeling of Vertebral Bony Endplate Microporosity and Mechanical Properties: Linking Microstructure to Inferred Mechanical Performance","authors":"Ahmad Alminnawi,&nbsp;Gabriele Nasello,&nbsp;Katherine B. Crump,&nbsp;Benjamin Gantenbein,&nbsp;Jerome Noailly,&nbsp;Liesbet Geris","doi":"10.1002/jsp2.70204","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jsp2.70204","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The vertebral bony endplate (BEP) plays a role in regulating both mechanical load transfer and nutrient transport to the intervertebral disc, functions strongly influenced by its microstructural porosity. Variations in porosity impact bone strength, elasticity, and solute diffusion, affecting its overall mechanical competence.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A semi-automated modeling workflow was established to quantify pore geometry and connectivity of the BEP and relate them to zone-specific mechanical and transport properties using relationships previously established in the literature. Six to eight BEPs from four bovine subjects were imaged using micro-computed tomography. The central zone and two peripheral zones of each BEP were segmented, and their microstructural properties, including tortuosity, porosity, and pore radii, were quantified using the pipeline to assess BEP heterogeneity. These metrics were then used to infer the BEP's zone-dependent density, Young's modulus, compressive strength, and shear modulus.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The BEPs showed spatial, intra-subject, and inter-subject morphological variability, which affected their predicted mechanical and transport properties. These findings highlight the limitations of purely idealized BEP representations in silico simulations and support the incorporation of uncertainty modeling strategies that account for physiologically relevant variations in the BEP.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This semi-automated modeling approach represents a tangible step toward more realistic in silico simulations of vertebral endplate function.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":14876,"journal":{"name":"JOR Spine","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13389441/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148562078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correction to “Feasibility of Physical Exam and Performance-Based Tests in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Descriptive Study”","authors":"","doi":"10.1002/jsp2.70205","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jsp2.70205","url":null,"abstract":"<p>\u0000 <span>S. R. Piva</span>, <span>Z. Alfikri</span>, <span>W. Anderst</span>, et al., “ <span>Feasibility of Physical Exam and Performance-Based Tests in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Descriptive Study</span>,” <i>JOR Spine</i> <span>8</span>, no. <span>3</span> (<span>2025</span>): e70096, https://doi.org/10.1002/jsp2.70096.\u0000 </p><p>In the above article, Kevin M. Bell was incorrectly designated as the corresponding author. The correct corresponding author is Sara R. Piva (<span>[email protected]</span>).</p><p>The Authorship Contributions section was omitted. The Authorship Contributions are as follows:</p><p>Conception: Sara R. Piva, Zakiy Alfikri, Charity G. Patterson. Acquisition: Jessa Darwin, Cristiane Carlesso, Marit E. Johnson, Rachel E. Roos. Analysis or Data Interpretation: Clair Smith, Gina P. McKernan, Leming Zhou, Gwendolyn A. Sowa, Nam V. Vo, William Anderst, Kevin M. Bell, Anthony Delitto, Carol M. Greco, Rachel McLoughlin, Michael J. Schneider. Reviewing, final approval, and accountability: Sara R. Piva, Zakiy Alfikri, Charity G. Patterson, Jessa Darwin, Cristiane Carlesso, Marit E. Johnson, Rachel E. Roos, Clair Smith, Gina P. McKernan, Leming Zhou, Gwendolyn A. Sowa, Nam V. Vo, William Anderst, Kevin M. Bell, Anthony Delitto, Carol M. Greco, Rachel McLoughlin, Michael J. Schneider.</p><p>We apologize for these errors.</p>","PeriodicalId":14876,"journal":{"name":"JOR Spine","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13389431/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148562041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Porcine Model of Intervertebral Disc Injury Recapitulates Human Discogenic Pain Via Notochordal Cell Loss and Pain-Inducing Nucleus Pulposus Cell Emergence","authors":"Giselle Kaneda,&nbsp;Jacob T. Wechsler,&nbsp;Melissa Chavez,&nbsp;Julia Sheyn,&nbsp;Karandeep Cheema,&nbsp;Chushu Shen,&nbsp;Dante Rigo De Righi,&nbsp;Lixia Wang,&nbsp;Yin-Chen Hsu,&nbsp;Pablo Avalos,&nbsp;Yibin Xie,&nbsp;Wafa Tawackoli,&nbsp;Candace Floyd,&nbsp;Debiao Li,&nbsp;Dmitriy Sheyn","doi":"10.1002/jsp2.70200","DOIUrl":"10.1002/jsp2.70200","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Lower back pain (LBP) is one of the most common causes of disability, with up to 40% of LBP cases attributed to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. While small animal models are widely used to study IVD degeneration and LBP, the small size of their IVDs limits translational and biological relevance. Large animal models more accurately emulate human disease; however, methods of measuring LBP are not well established. The porcine model has been questioned for LBP research, due to notochordal cells (NCs) persistence through life, unlike humans. Here, we developed a comprehensive porcine model with quantitative measures of discogenic pain via biobehavioral testing (BBT), MRI, and multi-omics tissue analyses of the IVD and DRGs.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Utilizing a previously established porcine annular injury model of IVD degeneration, pigs underwent longitudinal MRI and biobehavioral testing to monitor degenerative changes in the IVD and pain development. At the study endpoint, IVD and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) tissues were collected for multi-omic analysis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>MRI demonstrated the progression of IVD degeneration beginning at 4 weeks post-injury. BBTs showed the development of significant pain responses as early as week 2 post-injury, supported by transcriptomics of injury-matched DRGs. Single-cell transcriptomics, trajectory, and cell–cell communication analyses suggest that, with injury, NCs are differentiating to nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). Furthermore, NPCs showed upregulation of cellular stress, neural outgrowth, and inflammation pathways, consistent with pain-inducing distress signals found in human samples.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study establishes novel MRI and BBT-based methods for quantifying LBP in pigs and supports its translational relevance to human discogenic LBP. The identification of LBP-associated clusters mirrors our previous findings in humans. Moreover, the shift of NC to NPC phenotype further supports that the porcine model is relevant to human pathology, as the injury induced accelerated aging and loss of NCs with IVD degeneration and discogenic pain.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":14876,"journal":{"name":"JOR Spine","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13347629/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148421357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}