Penn Medicine researchers have made a significant breakthrough in treating herniated discs with the development of tension-activated repair patches (TARP). Unlike previous treatment methods, this novel approach can reverse the effects of the condition, rather than merely mitigating symptoms, signalling a potential game-changer in the field of medicine.
In describing the revolutionary treatment, Harvey Smith states, "This is designed to be an early intervention that may change the course of disease progression. Currently there’s no treatment to mitigate recurring herniations that actually heal the disc. So we’re looking at a disease that is very common in younger, working-age people that, downstream, leads to severe disc disease and the need for spinal fusion. The more we can prevent that, the better."
Exploring this medical problem further, a herniated disc happens when soft discs between vertebrae crack or develop holes. These alterations lead to loss of tension and cause pressure and pain in the spine. As Robert Mauck, Ph.D., explains: "Currently there is no curative treatment for disc herniation, and the best thing out there is just like sticking a plain rubber plug into a hole in a tire. It will stay for a while but it won’t make a great seal." In response to this issue, researchers from Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania and CMC VA Medical Center developed TARP.
To provide more clarity on how these patches function, TARPs work by gradually releasing an anti-inflammatory molecule which prompts herniated discs to regain their tension. According to Ana Peredo, Ph.D., "The disc is a very complex tissue, which is different from muscle and skin in that it cannot heal its own structure and, in fact, continues to degenerate over time once its structure is compromised. We set out to recover the disc’s mechanical integrity while simultaneously attenuating inflammation in order to prevent further tissue damage and retain as much tissue function as possible."
While further investigation into TARP remains necessary, this innovation marks an important advancement in medical treatments for herniated discs. As put by Harvey Smith, MD: "This is designed to be an early intervention that may change the course of disease progression."
