STUDY DESIGN: Review article regarding the developing field of cellular therapies for symptomatic disc degeneration. OBJECTIVE: To review the rationale and discuss the results of cellular strategies that have been proposed or investigated for disc degeneration. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Disc degeneration is a substantial clinical problem. Disc degeneration begins with a loss of disc cells and alterations in the extracellular matrix of the disc. One promising approach for this problem involves the use of cells transplanted to the degenerative disc to achieve functional tissue repair. METHODS: The rationale for using cellular therapy for disc degeneration is discussed. The basic science studies involving cellular transplantation to the disc are reviewed and future directions of this line of research are discussed. RESULTS: Although substantial work remains, the future of cellular therapies for symptomatic disc degeneration appears promising. CONCLUSION: Continued research is warranted to further define the optimal cell type, scaffolds, and adjuvants that will allow successful disc repair in human patients.
