Spine biologics holds incredible potential if it can overcome obstacles related to disc anatomy, Ezriel Kornel, MD, said.
Dr. Kornel, of Carmel, N.Y.-based Somers Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Group, spoke with Becker's about the areas of biologics he's watching.
Question: What healthcare trends in the spine space are you following most closely?
Dr. Ezriel Kornel: I'm very interested in developments related to stem cells and artificial spine joints. Another exciting area is the creation of discs made from materials that mimic the natural properties of a disc, rather than the artificial disc replacement implants we currently use. This is an area where biologics will play a critical role.
Another crucial aspect is educating people on spine health, which we’ve neglected. For example, we allow high school students to play tackle football without fully warning them about the long-term damage it can cause to their spines. By the time they reach their 40s, many will face the consequences, and that's something healthcare policy needs to address.
Question: Can you elaborate on regenerative medicine? Where do you see its future growth?
EK: I see regenerative medicine playing a significant role in developing new discs and ensuring the health of the spine. One challenge is that discs rely on the endplates for nutrition. If those endplates deteriorate due to arthritic changes, there's minimal nutrient flow, and the discs won't survive regardless of other interventions. So, maintaining the health of both the bone and the endplates will be critical. This will be a challenge, but with advancements in regenerative medicine and genetics, I believe we'll eventually discover ways to support better spine health.