NeurospinePub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-31DOI: 10.14245/ns.2551470.735
Joonoh Seo, Woo-Seok Jung, Tae Hyun Park, Sung-Jae Lee, Ji-Won Kwon, Kyung-Soo Suk, Byung Ho Lee
{"title":"Biomechanical Analysis Comparison of Different Cervical Posterior Screw Fixation Techniques: A Finite Element Study.","authors":"Joonoh Seo, Woo-Seok Jung, Tae Hyun Park, Sung-Jae Lee, Ji-Won Kwon, Kyung-Soo Suk, Byung Ho Lee","doi":"10.14245/ns.2551470.735","DOIUrl":"10.14245/ns.2551470.735","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To biomechanically compare the stress distribution of established posterior cervical fixation techniques-conventional pedicle screw (PS), Abumi technique, unicortical lateral mass screw (LMS), and bicortical LMS-with a novel PS method, the Lee point technique, using finite element modeling (FEM).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A patient-specific FEM of C5-6 was developed using high-resolution computed tomography scan data of a degenerative cervical spine. Five fixation models were constructed: Lee point, Abumi, conventional PS, unicortical LMS, and bicortical LMS. Screw dimensions were ø3.5×28 mm for PS and ø3.5×14/18 mm for LMS. A pure moment of 1.0 N·m was applied in flexion, extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending, and the peak von Mises stress (PVMS) of both the vertebrae and implants was recorded for each loading condition.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Abumi technique showed the highest PVMS at C5-6 (23.09-43.22 MPa and 24.96-39.91 MPa), with stress concentrated at the pedicle entry and medial wall. Lee point and conventional PS demonstrated more evenly distributed stress across the pedicle and near cortex of the lateral mass. Unicortical and bicortical LMS showed stress mainly at the entry point, with overall lower and more uniform magnitudes. Implant stress was greatest in Abumi construct (up to 295 MPa), moderate in Lee and conventional PS, and lowest in LMS models.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Abumi technique showed higher localized stress concentrations that may warrant careful patient selection, particularly in those with compromised bone quality. Lee point technique achieved a balanced stress profile comparable to conventional PS, suggesting a favorable biomechanical profile for posterior cervical fixation.</p>","PeriodicalId":19269,"journal":{"name":"Neurospine","volume":"23 1","pages":"187-201"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12890382/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146157832","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
NeurospinePub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-31DOI: 10.14245/ns.2551626.813
Noah Willett, Chibuikem A Ikwuegbuenyi, Evan Wang, Lawrance K Chung, Anthony Robayo, Albert Antar, Galal Elsayed, Gianluca Vadalà, Ibrahim Hussain, Roger Härtl
{"title":"Mechanical and Biological Treatments for Annulus Fibrosus Repair and Closure: A Review of Clinical Studies.","authors":"Noah Willett, Chibuikem A Ikwuegbuenyi, Evan Wang, Lawrance K Chung, Anthony Robayo, Albert Antar, Galal Elsayed, Gianluca Vadalà, Ibrahim Hussain, Roger Härtl","doi":"10.14245/ns.2551626.813","DOIUrl":"10.14245/ns.2551626.813","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To address disc reherniation, several annular repair strategies have been developed, including implantable devices, suture-based techniques, and biomaterials. This review evaluates the clinical evidence supporting these strategies. A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase and MEDLINE via Ovid was performed from database inception to July 2025. A combination of keywords was used in the search string. Publications were included if they were clinical studies and described closing the annulus or blocking the annulus defect with biologics, sutures, or physical devices. Exclusion criteria were animal studies, in vitro studies, non-English articles, and abstracts. A single-arm proportional meta-analysis was performed for studies reporting extractable reherniation, reoperation, or complication data. The initial search identified 1,349 records. After removal of 315 duplicates, 1,034 studies underwent screening, with 84 full texts reviewed and 62 meeting inclusion criteria. Forty-one studies (66%) assessed implantable physical devices, of which 40 (98%) evaluated the Barricaid annular closure device (ACD) (Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc., USA). Eighteen studies (29%) evaluated suture-based closure of the annulus fibrosus, using preloaded devices, bone-anchored systems, or manual suturing techniques. Three studies (5%) examined the use of biomaterials as either an adjunct or standalone method in the form of autologous conditioned plasma, bone marrow stromal cells, and fibrin sealant. For physical devices, the pooled reherniation, reoperation, and complication rates were 4.71%, 4.84%, and 1.76% respectively. Suture-based techniques had reherniation, reoperation, and complication rates of 1.37%, 0.35%, and 0.28%, respectively. For biomaterial-based approaches, only a pooled reherniation rate was calculated (2.11%), as insufficient data were available to pool reoperation and complication rates. Annular repair following discectomy is associated with low rates of reherniation, reoperation, and complications across physical devices, suture-based techniques, and biomaterial approaches. Physical devices and suturing techniques have robust clinical evidence and show generally favorable outcomes, but results remain mixed and heterogenous across techniques. Biomaterials demonstrate early promise but are limited by small study size and short follow-up. While pooled proportional meta-analysis supports the overall safety and effectiveness of annular repair, heterogeneity and limited comparative evidence prevent determination of relative superiority.</p>","PeriodicalId":19269,"journal":{"name":"Neurospine","volume":"23 1","pages":"117-144"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12890387/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146158011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Optimal Positioning for Single-Position Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion.","authors":"Worawat Limthongkul, Natavut Prasertkul, Pakawas Praisarnti, Maruay Tanayavong, Surachat Jaroenwareekul, Wicharn Yingsakmongkol, Weerasak Singhatanadgige, Vit Kotheeranurak","doi":"10.14245/ns.2551540.770","DOIUrl":"10.14245/ns.2551540.770","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To quantify the effect of different hip positions on lumbar lordosis (LL) and spinopelvic parameters in the right lateral decubitus position (RLDP) and identify the configuration that most closely replicates physiologic standing alignment during lateral lumbar interbody fusion in minimally invasive spinal surgery.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty healthy volunteers (15 males, 15 females; mean age, 27.8±8.6 years) underwent lateral lumbar radiographs in standing position and 5 RLDP configurations: neutral hips (NN), 30° flexion of both hips (30FF), 30° flexion of the right hip with left hip neutral (30FN), 60° flexion of both hips (60FF), and 60° flexion of the right hip with left hip neutral (60FN). LL, pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), and pelvic incidence (PI) were measured. Each position was compared to standing using paired t-tests. Intra- and interobserver reliability were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>LL decreased significantly in all RLDP positions compared with standing (51.1°±3.8°). The 30FN position showed the smallest change (ΔLL=-4.9°, p<0.001), whereas 60FF showed the greatest (ΔLL=-15.0°, p<0.001). In 30FN, PT decreased (p=0.013) and SS increased (p=0.003), indicating mild anterior pelvic rotation. PI showed minimal variation across positions. Intra- and interobserver ICCs ranged from 0.92 to 0.99, confirming high measurement reliability.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Hip position significantly influences lumbar and pelvic alignment in RLDP. Among tested configurations, the 30FN position (right hip flexed 30°, left neutral) showed the smallest numerical deviation from standing alignment and spinopelvic harmony relative to standing in RLDP.</p>","PeriodicalId":19269,"journal":{"name":"Neurospine","volume":"23 1","pages":"216-225"},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12890383/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146158006","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
NeurospinePub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-31DOI: 10.14245/ns.2551668.834
Gianluca Vadala, Fabrizio Russo, In-Ho Han, Amit Jain, Javad Tavakoli
{"title":"The Biomechanical Landscape of Lumbar Disc Herniation: Mechanobiological Insights Into Injury and Regeneration.","authors":"Gianluca Vadala, Fabrizio Russo, In-Ho Han, Amit Jain, Javad Tavakoli","doi":"10.14245/ns.2551668.834","DOIUrl":"10.14245/ns.2551668.834","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Lumbar disc herniation is among the most common and disabling spinal disorders, driven by the interplay of mechanical overload, structural failure, and cellular dysfunction. Despite advances in surgical interventions, achieving true biological repair of herniated discs remains a major clinical challenge. This review aims to critically examine the biomechanical landscape of disc herniation, focusing on how altered load transmission, tissue stiffness, and structural disruption influence cellular behavior and tissue regeneration. It further explores mechanobiological mechanisms governing repair and highlights emerging biomimetic models and technologies that integrate mechanical and biological insights to promote functional disc restoration.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed (National Library of Medicine), and ScienceDirect databases. The search was limited to peer-reviewed journal articles published in English and focused on studies related to lumbar disc herniation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>While decades of research have elucidated the biomechanical factors contributing to disc herniation, recent advances in mechanobiology have uncovered how mechanical cues influence cellular behavior, tissue repair, and degeneration. Evidence suggests that true disc regeneration cannot be achieved through biological replacement or mechanical stabilization alone; rather, it requires restoring functional biomechanics, specifically, the disc's ability to sense, adapt to, and sustain physiological loading.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Viewing disc herniation through a mechanobiological lens offers new opportunities to develop targeted therapies aimed at restoring both tissue integrity and load-bearing functionality, paving the way for more effective regenerative interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":19269,"journal":{"name":"Neurospine","volume":"23 1","pages":"159-175"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12890390/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146157942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
NeurospinePub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-31DOI: 10.14245/ns.2551450.725
Borriwat Santipas, Jin Sung Kim, Korawish Mekariya, John Y S Choi, Samuel K Cho
{"title":"Beyond the Microscope: Is Endoscopic Discectomy the Next Gold Standard for Lumbar Disc Herniation?","authors":"Borriwat Santipas, Jin Sung Kim, Korawish Mekariya, John Y S Choi, Samuel K Cho","doi":"10.14245/ns.2551450.725","DOIUrl":"10.14245/ns.2551450.725","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare endoscopic discectomy (ED) with microdiscectomy (MD) for lumbar disc herniation, evaluating patient-reported outcomes, perioperative parameters, and complications to determine if ED could replace MD as the gold standard.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines, we searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science (January 2000-June 2025) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies comparing MD with ED subtypes (transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy [TELD], interlaminar endoscopic lumbar discectomy [IELD], and unilateral biportal endoscopy [UBE]). Outcomes included Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, operative time, hospital stay, complications, and recurrence. Pooled mean differences and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using random-effects models, with subgroup analyses by ED subtype. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I tools.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seventeen studies (9 RCTs, 8 cohorts; n=3,115) were included. ED significantly reduced hospital stay (mean difference, -2.43 days; 95% CI, -3.62 to -1.23; p<0.05) and showed greater short-term ODI improvement (mean difference, 2.13; 95% CI, 0.58-3.67). No differences were observed in operative time, long-term ODI, or VAS scores. ED had lower wound complications but a higher recurrence risk with TELD (OR, ~2.0). High heterogeneity (I²>95%) and limited long-term data (>2 years) were noted.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>ED offers perioperative advantages and comparable efficacy but does not surpass MD due to TELD's increased recurrence risk. IELD and UBE are promising alternatives, but MD remains the benchmark. Long-term RCTs are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":19269,"journal":{"name":"Neurospine","volume":"23 1","pages":"61-79"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12890386/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146157893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
NeurospinePub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-31DOI: 10.14245/ns.2551048.524
Jiaheng Han, Jie Huang, Zhili Ding, Qiang Jiang, Guangnan Yang, Zhengcao Lu, Jingbo Ma, Yan Zhang, Yu Ding
{"title":"TAFA4 Mitigates Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Modulating Macrophage Polarization and Inhibiting ROS-NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation.","authors":"Jiaheng Han, Jie Huang, Zhili Ding, Qiang Jiang, Guangnan Yang, Zhengcao Lu, Jingbo Ma, Yan Zhang, Yu Ding","doi":"10.14245/ns.2551048.524","DOIUrl":"10.14245/ns.2551048.524","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a complex pathological process involving inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation. Emerging evidence suggests that neuroimmune interactions contribute to IVDD progression, but the role of neuropeptide-like factors remains poorly understood.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We investigated whether Gαi-interacting protein (GINIP+) sensory neurons infiltrate degenerative discs and secrete TAFA chemokine like family member 4 (TAFA4), a neuron-derived cytokine known to influence macrophage activity. In vivo and in vitro models were used to assess TAFA4 expression, its regulatory effects on macrophage polarization, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, inflammasome activation, and disc cell phenotype. Knockdown of TAFA4 was achieved via lentiviral transduction in rabbit discs and cell coculture models.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>TAFA4 was upregulated in IVDD tissues and colocalized with GINIP+ neurons. Knockdown of TAFA4 in vivo exacerbated disc degeneration, increased M1 macrophage presence, elevated ROS levels, and activated the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. In vitro, GINIP+ neurons promoted macrophage M2 polarization and interleukin (IL)-10 production while suppressing tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-1β. These effects were reversed by TAFA4 knockdown. Moreover, TAFA4 attenuated ROS-dependent NLRP3 activation and preserved anabolic marker expression (ACAN [aggrecan], COL II [type II collagen], SOX9 [SRY-box transcription factor 9]), while reducing catabolic and hypertrophic-related markers (MMP13 [matrix metalloproteinase 13], ADAMTS5 [a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5], COL X [collagen type X alpha 1 chain], RUNX2 [Runt-related transcription factor 2]) in nucleus pulposus cells.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>TAFA4 acts as a neuron-derived mediator of neuroimmune crosstalk in IVDD that modulates macrophage polarization and oxidative stress, thereby delaying disc degeneration. This neuron-immune axis represents a potential therapeutic target.</p>","PeriodicalId":19269,"journal":{"name":"Neurospine","volume":"23 1","pages":"202-215"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12890316/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146157996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
NeurospinePub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-31DOI: 10.14245/ns.26520126.0063
Ashish Kumar, Benjamin Gantenbein
{"title":"A Commentary on \"The Gut-Disc Axis: Unraveling the Microbiome's Role in Lumbar Disc Herniation\".","authors":"Ashish Kumar, Benjamin Gantenbein","doi":"10.14245/ns.26520126.0063","DOIUrl":"10.14245/ns.26520126.0063","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":19269,"journal":{"name":"Neurospine","volume":"23 1","pages":"29-30"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12890378/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146157812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
NeurospinePub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-31DOI: 10.14245/ns.26520104.0052
Philipp Schenk, Hans Joerg Meisel
{"title":"A Commentary on \"Preoperative Clinical and Radiographic Risk Factors for Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis\".","authors":"Philipp Schenk, Hans Joerg Meisel","doi":"10.14245/ns.26520104.0052","DOIUrl":"10.14245/ns.26520104.0052","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":19269,"journal":{"name":"Neurospine","volume":"23 1","pages":"59-60"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12890376/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146157791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
NeurospinePub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-31DOI: 10.14245/ns.2551242.621
Mohamed A R Soliman, Hendrick Francois, Alexander O Aguirre, Asham Khan, Waeel Hamouda, Stipe Ćorluka, Zorica Buser, Samuel K Cho, S Tim Yoon
{"title":"Preoperative Clinical and Radiographic Risk Factors for Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.","authors":"Mohamed A R Soliman, Hendrick Francois, Alexander O Aguirre, Asham Khan, Waeel Hamouda, Stipe Ćorluka, Zorica Buser, Samuel K Cho, S Tim Yoon","doi":"10.14245/ns.2551242.621","DOIUrl":"10.14245/ns.2551242.621","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Lumbar discectomy is one of the most frequently undertaken procedures for the management of lumbar disc herniation. However, it may be complicated by recurrent disc herniation, with reported rates as high as 25%. To the authors' knowledge, this study is the largest systematic review to date, analyzing the clinical and radiographic risk factors for recurrent disc herniation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic literature search of Embase and PubMed/Medline, covering the period from inception to October 1, 2025, was conducted to identify case-control or cohort studies reporting risk factors for recurrent disc herniation. Risk factors were classified into baseline, clinical, and radiographic risk factors. Meta-analysis was performed for any reported risk factor with data from 3 or more studies. The assessment included an evaluation of publication bias and heterogeneity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 51 studies published during the search timeframe, comprising 52,479 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Recurrent disc herniation occurred in 6,794 patients (12.9%). Significant risk factors for disc herniation included high body mass index (BMI) (standard mean difference [SMD], 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26-0.70), diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23-1.77), increased sagittal range of motion (SMD, 2.15; 95% CI, 0.35-3.94), and Modic changes (OR, 2.97; 95% CI, 2.20-4.01). No other significant predictors for recurrent disc herniation were identified.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In conclusion, patients with high BMI, diabetics, increased sagittal range of motion, and presence of Modic changes are at increased risk of recurrent disc herniation. Future prospective studies are needed to validate the risk factors identified in this study associated with recurrent disc herniation.</p>","PeriodicalId":19269,"journal":{"name":"Neurospine","volume":"23 1","pages":"42-58"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12890318/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146157964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
NeurospinePub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2026-01-31DOI: 10.14245/ns.2551560.780
Carla Cunha, Junxuan Ma, Veronica Tilotta, In Ho Han, Gianluca Vadalà, Sibylle Grad
{"title":"Emerging Circulating Molecular Biomarkers: New Horizons in Lumbar Disc Herniation.","authors":"Carla Cunha, Junxuan Ma, Veronica Tilotta, In Ho Han, Gianluca Vadalà, Sibylle Grad","doi":"10.14245/ns.2551560.780","DOIUrl":"10.14245/ns.2551560.780","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biomarkers are becoming pivotal in understanding the complex pathophysiology of disc herniation and guiding novel therapeutic strategies. Recent research highlights the value of molecular and cellular biomarkers in delineating disease progression, treatment monitoring and patient stratification. This review summarizes current advances in the identification and validation of emerging biomarkers across genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic domains, emphasizing their potential to bridge basic mechanistic insights with clinical translation. Particular attention is given to the interplay between inflammatory mediators, extracellular matrix turnover, and immune cell activity as indicators of lumbar disc herniation diagnosis and prognosis. Despite encouraging progress, standardization of biomarker validation protocols, inter-study comparability, and large-scale clinical implementation remain major challenges. Future directions include the integration of multi-omics technologies and bioinformatic tools to identify predictive biomarker panels with diagnostic and prognostic utility towards personalized medicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":19269,"journal":{"name":"Neurospine","volume":"23 1","pages":"145-158"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12890385/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146158016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}