ENHANCEMENT OF NUCLEUS PULPOSUS REGENERATION BY ENHANCED PERFUSION OF PERISPINAL AREA BY COMBINATION DRUG, GENE AND CELLULAR THERAPIES

摘要

Disclosed are methods of enhancing regeneration of the nucleus pulposus through enhancement of perispinal perfusion in combination with a regenerative intervention. In one embodiment the invention teaches stimulation of enhancement of perispinal perfusion by administration of angiogenic agents prior to performing a regenerative intervention such as administration of a stem cell therapy. In one specific embodiment perispinal angiogenesis is stimulated by administration of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells in the perispinal area, preferably into a muscular area, subsequent to which intradiscal administration of regenerative cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells is performed.