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IMAGE: Surface, cross-sectional optical/SEM images showing the uniaxially aligned surface patterns and microchannels within the struts of the fabricated collagen scaffolds. A schematic showing the osteogenesis and angiogenesis of the fabrication. view more
Credit: Hanjun Hwangbo, Hyeongjin Lee
WASHINGTON, May 4, 2021 Spinal fusion is frequently performed to restore spinal stability in patients with spinal diseases, such as spinal stenosis, vertebral fractures, progressive deformities, and instability. In the past two decades, there has been marked increase in the number of people over 65 years in age who have needed spinal fusion surgery.
While autogenous bone grafts have long been considered the reference standard for spinal fusion, painful pseudoarthrosis remains a leading cause of poor clinical outcomes. Many researchers have consequently focused on trying to create a biomimetic scaffold that induces vascularization to enable bone tissue regeneration and