The role of the intervertebral disc cartilage catabolites in Modic type 1 changes
Concept
Inflammation and scarring of the vertebral bone marrow are often seen in patients with chronic low back pain on MRI. These changes are called Modic type 1 changes (MC1). They occur adjacent to a degenerated intervertebral disc. In most cases disc degeneration does not cause pain. In contrast, MC1 are in most cases a source of pain.
Facts and figures
S Dudli
University of Zurich
Meet the team
University of Zurich
University of Zurich
Objectives
We aim to identify molecules that cause inflammation and scarring of vertebral bone marrow, processes that contribute to chronic low back pain. Once we have identified these molecules and understand how they cause inflammation and scarring of the bone marrow, we will test different drugs that stop this undesired painful reaction in the bone marrow.
Patient voice
We will form a supervising committee with patient representatives from local low back pain organizations and a few key opinion leaders. This committee has the goal to control the translational direction of the project from the very beginning and to help communicate the findings of the project.