Disc degeneration is the loss of the normal nucleus pulposus disc matrix to a more fibrotic and less cartilaginous structure. This change in disc micro-anatomy can be associated with pain and deformity, however, prevention and treatment options of disc degeneration are currently limited. Much research is going on to understand intervertebral discs at a molecular/ cellular level in hopes of creating clinically applicable options for treating disc degeneration. This review article will give insight into the current and developing status of treating intervertebral disc degeneration from a molecular standpoint.

DCA demonstrated high rates of resorption when used in ACDF. Although the majority of segments fused and no patient required revision for symptomatic pseudarthrosis, resorption led to voids within the graft such that only 53% of levels had bridging trabeculations covering more than half of the disc space. Despite theoretical benefits, due to a propensity to resorb, caution should be used when considering using DCA in ACDF.

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