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Advances in Spine Disease Research
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Advances in Spine Disease Research

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Orthopedics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 June 2025 | Viewed by 7061

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Sebastian Głowiński

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Health Sciences, Slupsk Pomeranian University, Westerplatte 64, 76200 Slupsk, Poland
Interests: exoskeletons; spine problems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Spinal disorders and disabilities are among the leading causes of work loss, suffering, and health care expenditure throughout the industrialized world. This Special Issue is focused on the following topics:

  • Degenerative disc disease is a common spinal condition characterized by the breakdown of intervertebral discs. Manuscripts should be focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying disc degeneration, with an emphasis on genetic factors, inflammation, and mechanical stress. Advances in regenerative therapies, such as stem cell treatments and tissue engineering, offer promising avenues for halting or reversing disc degeneration.
  • Spinal stenosis is defined as a narrowing of the spinal canal, leading to compression of the spinal cord and nerves. Manuscripts should concentrate on diagnostic techniques, including advanced imaging methods and biomarkers, to detect and assess the severity of stenosis.
  • Herniated discs occur when the soft inner core of an intervertebral disc protrudes through the outer layer, often causing pain and nerve compression. Manuscripts should focus on minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as endoscopic discectomy, as well as non-surgical options like physical therapy and pain management.
  • Scoliosis is a complex condition characterized by abnormal curvature of the spine. Research should be focused on immunological mechanisms, genetic predisposition, and the development of targeted biologic therapies to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
  • Spinal cord injury often results in long-term disability. We are interested in research dedicated to finding ways to restore function, e.g., rehabilitation with exoskeleton technology, which hold promise for increasing mobility in paralyzed patients.

I am looking forward to receiving your submission.

Dr. Sebastian Głowiński
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Clinical Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • spine diseases
  • low back pain
  • neck back pain
  • spinal biomechanics
  • spine deformity

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 418 KiB  
Article
Beyond the Spine: Exploring Mental Health Disorders in Spondylodiscitis
by Julius Gerstmeyer, Anna Gorbacheva, Clifford Pierre, Neel Patel, Donald David Davis, Tara Heffernan, Periklis Godolias, Tobias L. Schulte, Thomas A. Schildhauer, Amir Abdul-Jabbar, Rod J. Oskouian and Jens R. Chapman
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(6), 1905; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14061905 - 12 Mar 2025
Viewed by 418
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Spondylodiscitis (SD) is a challenging and multifaceted condition with increasing incidences globally. Mental health disorders (MHDs) are well recognized for their negative impacts on outcomes. To our knowledge, the effects of MHDs on SD have not been studied. This study aims [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Spondylodiscitis (SD) is a challenging and multifaceted condition with increasing incidences globally. Mental health disorders (MHDs) are well recognized for their negative impacts on outcomes. To our knowledge, the effects of MHDs on SD have not been studied. This study aims to assess the incidence of MHDs in patients hospitalized for SD, and their impact on 90-day all-cause readmission rates using the Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD). Methods: A retrospective analysis using the 2020 NRD was performed. Adult patients were selected by primary ICD-10 codes for SD. MHDs were defined by ICD-10 F-codes. Demographic and clinical data were extracted, and readmissions were identified using VisitLinks. Patients were stratified based on MHD presence, with statistical analyses conducted to identify independent risk factors for readmission. Results: Of a total of 6139 patients, 3771 (61.4%) had an MHD. The overall 90-day readmission rate was 35%, with MHD patients experiencing a significantly higher rate (36.1%). Substance-related disorders, particularly opioid (OR 1.187, p = 0.019) and alcohol use disorders (OR 1.310, p = 0.020), were independently associated with increased readmission risk. Although common, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and personality disorders were not significant predictors. Conclusions: MHDs are prevalent among SD patients and are associated with an increased risk of hospital readmission, particularly in those with substance-related disorders. Integrating mental health interventions into SD management may improve patient outcomes. This study is limited by the use of an administrative database, which may lead to potential under-reporting of clinical variables. Future research may explore targeted interventions to optimize care for this high-risk population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spine Disease Research)
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16 pages, 284 KiB  
Article
Changes in the Concentration Profile of Selected Micro- and Macro-Elements in the Yellow Ligament Obtained from Patients with Degenerative Stenosis of the Lumbo-Sacral Spine
by Damian Strojny, Dawid Sobański, Roman Wojdyła, Klaudia Skóra, Martyna Hoczela, Katarzyna Wyczarska-Dziki, Mateusz Miller, Mateusz Masternak, Rafał Staszkiewicz, Jerzy Wieczorek, Weronika Wieczorek-Olcha, Barbara Waltoś-Tutak, Paweł Gogol and Beniamin Oskar Grabarek
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(4), 1252; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14041252 - 14 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 514
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Degenerative lumbo-sacral spinal stenosis is characterized by spinal canal narrowing, often linked to ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. This study evaluated the elemental composition of ligamentum flavum tissue in DLSS patients compared to healthy controls. Methods: This study involved 180 patients diagnosed [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Degenerative lumbo-sacral spinal stenosis is characterized by spinal canal narrowing, often linked to ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. This study evaluated the elemental composition of ligamentum flavum tissue in DLSS patients compared to healthy controls. Methods: This study involved 180 patients diagnosed with degenerative lumbo-sacral spinal stenosis and 102 healthy controls. Ligamentum flavum samples were analyzed for concentrations of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), potassium (K), manganese (Mn), and lead (Pb) using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Statistical analyses were conducted using Student’s t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Results: The study group exhibited significantly elevated levels of Mg (p < 0.001), Ca (p = 0.014), and P (p = 0.006), along with reduced concentrations of Zn (p = 0.021) and Cu (p = 0.038) compared to controls. No statistically significant differences were observed for Na, K, Mn, or Fe (p > 0.05). Elemental imbalances were more pronounced in individuals with higher body mass index (BMI) and varied by gender. Pain intensity demonstrated a significant correlation with Zn (p = 0.012) and Na (p = 0.045), but no consistent associations with Mg, Ca, or P. Conclusions: Altered Mg, Ca, P, and Zn levels in ligamentum flavum suggest their involvement in degenerative lumbo-sacral spinal stenosis pathophysiology. These elements may serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for mitigating spinal canal narrowing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spine Disease Research)
10 pages, 2901 KiB  
Article
Minimally Invasive Bipolar Technique for Scoliosis in Rett Syndrome—Results and Complications in a Series of 22 Cases
by Alice Del Sal, Edouard Haumont, Manon Pigeolet, Mathilde Gaume, Guillaume Riouallon, Nadia Bahi Buisson, Agnes Linglart, Isabelle Desguerre, Stephanie Pannier and Lotfi Miladi
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(3), 849; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14030849 - 27 Jan 2025
Viewed by 681
Abstract
Background: This is a retrospective study. The aim of this study is to report the results of bipolar minimally invasive fusionless surgery for scoliosis in Rett syndrome with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Conservative treatment is often not effective in Rett [...] Read more.
Background: This is a retrospective study. The aim of this study is to report the results of bipolar minimally invasive fusionless surgery for scoliosis in Rett syndrome with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Conservative treatment is often not effective in Rett syndrome scoliosis. Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) has a high rate of complications; early surgery using traditional growing rods (TGRs) controls the deformity while preserving spinal and thoracic growth before arthrodesis. The need for surgical rod lengthening still has a high rate of complications and costs. Methods: We recorded the clinical and radiological outcomes of 22 consecutive patients with Rett scoliosis who underwent bipolar fusionless surgery with a mean follow-up of 56 months (24–99). We performed a bilateral construct with rods (with or without a self-sliding device) anchored proximally with four hook claws distally to the pelvis by ilio-sacral (IS) screws through a minimally invasive approach. Results: The Cobb angle was reduced from 74.4° initially to 28.9° postoperatively and to 25.7° at the last follow-up, which corresponds to a 65% correction of the initial deformity. The gain was maintained at the last follow-up. None of the patients required spinal fusion at skeletal maturity (55% of our patients reached skeletal maturity). There was a gain in body weight (27.97 kg at preoperative time and 33.04 kg at postoperative time). The surgical complication rate was 32%. Conclusions: We recorded the stable correction of deformities and weight gain over time using the bipolar minimally invasive fusionless technique with a reduced rate of complication compared to arthrodesis. The arthrodesis was not necessary at skeletal maturity, thanks to the delayed natural ankylosis of a fixed spine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spine Disease Research)
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15 pages, 838 KiB  
Article
Association Between Higher Body Mass Index and the Risk of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in Korean Populations: A Nationwide Cohort Study
by Ji-Hyun Ryu, Kyungdo Han and Ju-Yeong Kim
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(23), 7397; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13237397 - 4 Dec 2024
Viewed by 887
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Despite the increasing prevalence of both spinal stenosis and obesity, their association remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of lumbar spinal stenosis in the Korean population using nationwide data. Methods: We [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Despite the increasing prevalence of both spinal stenosis and obesity, their association remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of lumbar spinal stenosis in the Korean population using nationwide data. Methods: We analyzed data from 2,161,684 adults aged ≥40 years who underwent health examinations in 2009 using the Korean National Health Insurance System database. Participants were categorized by BMI into five groups: underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5–22.9), overweight (23.0–24.9), obesity class I (25.0–29.9), and obesity class II and above (≥30). Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between BMI and lumbar spinal stenosis risk, adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Results: During the 10-year follow-up period, the incidence rate of lumbar spinal stenosis increased progressively with higher BMI categories, from 32.77 per 1000 person-years in the underweight group to 51.51 in the obesity class II and above group. In the fully adjusted model, compared to the normal weight group, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.801 (0.787–0.815) for underweight, 1.132 (1.126–1.139) for overweight, 1.245 (1.238–1.252) for obesity class I, and 1.348 (1.331–1.366) for obesity class II and above. The association was stronger in females and participants aged <65 years. Conclusions: A higher BMI was independently associated with an increased risk of lumbar spinal stenosis in the Korean population. This association remained robust after adjusting for various confounding factors, suggesting BMI as a significant risk factor for spinal stenosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spine Disease Research)
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10 pages, 1111 KiB  
Article
Impact of Implant Size and Position on Subsidence Degree after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: Radiological and Clinical Analysis
by Adam Bębenek, Maciej Dominiak, Grzegorz Karpiński, Tomasz Pawełczyk and Bartosz Godlewski
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(4), 1151; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13041151 - 18 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1429
Abstract
Background: Implant subsidence is recognized as a complication of interbody stabilization, although its relevance remains ambiguous, particularly in terms of relating the effect of the position and depth of subsidence on the clinical outcome of the procedure. This study aimed to evaluate how [...] Read more.
Background: Implant subsidence is recognized as a complication of interbody stabilization, although its relevance remains ambiguous, particularly in terms of relating the effect of the position and depth of subsidence on the clinical outcome of the procedure. This study aimed to evaluate how implant positioning and size influence the incidence and degree of subsidence and to examine their implications for clinical outcomes. Methods: An observational study of 94 patients (157 levels) who underwent ACDF was conducted. Radiological parameters (implant position, implant height, vertebral body height, segmental height and intervertebral height) were assessed. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Subsidence was evaluated in groups according to its degree, and statistical analyses were performed. Results: The findings revealed that implant-to-endplate ratio and implant height were significant risk factors associated with the incidence and degree of subsidence. The incidence of subsidence varied as follows: 34 cases (41.5%) exhibited displacement of the implant into the adjacent endplate by 2–3 mm, 32 cases (39%) by 3–4 mm, 16 cases (19.5%) by ≥4 mm and 75 (47.8%) cases exhibited no subsidence. Conclusions: The findings underscore that oversized or undersized implants relative to the disc space or endplate length elevate the risk and severity of subsidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spine Disease Research)
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Review

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13 pages, 261 KiB  
Review
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (eSWT) in Spinal Cord Injury—A Narrative Review
by Józef Opara, Robert Dymarek, Mirosław Sopel and Małgorzata Paprocka-Borowicz
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(17), 5112; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13175112 - 28 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2406
Abstract
Background: Injury of the spinal cord causes motor and sensory dysfunction as well as pathological reflexes, leading to paraplegia or tetraplegia. The sequelae of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) are a significant burden and impact on healthcare systems. Despite constant progress in medicine, [...] Read more.
Background: Injury of the spinal cord causes motor and sensory dysfunction as well as pathological reflexes, leading to paraplegia or tetraplegia. The sequelae of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) are a significant burden and impact on healthcare systems. Despite constant progress in medicine, traumatic SCI still remains irreversible. To date, no satisfying treatment that can enable neuronal regeneration and recovery of function at the damaged level has been found. Hundreds of experiments have been conducted on various possibilities of influencing spinal regeneration; some of them have yielded promising results, but unfortunately, the successes obtained in experimental animals have not translated into humans. Methods: This narrative review article presents the application of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (eSWT) in patients with SCI. The article has been divided into parts: 1) use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for regeneration of the spinal cord after traumatic spinal cord injury; 2) application of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in spasticity after spinal cord injury. In both cases, the hypotheses of possible mechanisms of action will be described. Results and conclusions: A small number of clinical trials have demonstrated the potential of eSWT to influence the regeneration of the spine, as an innovative, safe, and cost-effective treatment option for patients with SCI. Some reports have shown that eSWT can improve spasticity, walking ability, urological function, quality of life, and independence in daily life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Spine Disease Research)
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