Understanding how spinal disc degeneration affects nearby facet joints
Official title: Disc-Facet Crosstalk During Spinal Degeneration and Repair
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10980071 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how problems with the discs in your spine can affect the joints that help you move and bear weight, aiming to find new ways to understand and treat back pain, which many people experience.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 26, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $605,253 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR083007-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980071 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing chronic back pain, particularly those with known intervertebral disc degeneration or facet joint issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute back injuries or those without any degenerative spinal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the intervertebral discs and facet joints in the spine, particularly how degeneration of the discs can lead to issues in the facet joints, which are crucial for movement and load-bearing. Using animal models and human tissues, the study aims to explore the mechanical interactions between these structures during degeneration and potential repair processes. By examining the progression of facet osteoarthritis in response to disc degeneration, the research seeks to uncover new insights into back pain, a leading cause of disability worldwide.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for back pain by enhancing our understanding of spinal degeneration and its effects on joint health.
How similar studies have gone: While the study of intervertebral disc degeneration is well-established, the specific focus on the mechanical crosstalk with facet joints represents a novel approach that has not been extensively explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gullbrand, Sarah E — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Gullbrand, Sarah E
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.