MSC Therapy for Degenerative Disc Disease
Patient Progression Report — Clinical and radiological outcomes from 27 patients treated with WJ-MSC therapy for degenerative disc disease (2023–2024).
27
Patients Treated
Cervical, lumbar & thoracolumbar
2023 – 2024
Study Period
12-month follow-up
↓52%
Pain Reduction (VAS)
3.87 point average reduction
↑51%
Physical QoL Gain
SF-12 physical domain
Study Overview
Between 2023 and 2024, 27 patients were treated for degenerative disc disease (cervical, lumbar, and thoracolumbar levels) and underwent both baseline and post-treatment MRI scans to evaluate radiological outcomes following mesenchymal stem cell therapy.
Clinical outcomes were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and SF-12 health questionnaire at pre-therapy, 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment.
Pain Assessment (VAS)
VAS scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (extreme pain).
Key Finding: ↓52% pain reduction — average VAS decreased by 3.87 points at 12 months, sustained throughout follow-up.
| Time Point | Respondents | Response Rate | Avg VAS Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-therapy | 27 patients | 100% | 7.43 |
| 3 Months | 19 patients | 70% | 4.68 |
| 6 Months | 20 patients | 74% | 4.10 |
| 12 Months | 10 patients | 37% | 3.56 |
Disability Assessment (ODI & NDI)
The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) measure functional limitations related to lumbar and cervical conditions respectively.
ODI Reduction
↓31%
Sustained at 12 months post-therapy
NDI Reduction
↓38%
Sustained at 12 months post-therapy
| ODI Score Range | Disability Level |
|---|---|
| 0–20 | Minimum |
| 21–40 | Moderate |
| 41–60 | Severe |
| 61–80 | Disabled |
| 81–100 | Bedridden |
Quality of Life (SF-12)
The SF-12 evaluates well-being and functional capacity on a 0–100 scale (higher = better health).
Physical Domain: +22.82 points (↑51%)
Mental Domain: +11.77 points (↑19%)
MRI-Based Radiologic Changes
Structural and compositional effects assessed via pre- and post-treatment MRI scans.
Most MRI-based variables remained stable or improved following MSC therapy. The Pfirrmann classification and MODIC changes remained unchanged in most cases, suggesting MSC treatment effectively slows or halts disease progression.
| MRI Variable | Improved | Stable | Worsened |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disc height | 5 | 20 | 2 |
| Water content | 8 | 17 | 2 |
| Pfirrmann | 3 | 22 | 2 |
| MODIC changes | 4 | 21 | 2 |
| Disc protrusion | 6 | 19 | 2 |
| BME/endplate | 5 | 20 | 2 |
Understanding MRI Variables
Disc height: Vertical space between adjacent vertebrae. Increase post-therapy may suggest improved hydration and disc integrity.
Disc water content: Hydration level of the nucleus pulposus. Higher water content correlates with better disc function and elasticity.
Pfirrmann classification: MRI grading system (I–V) for disc degeneration. Stabilization post-treatment signals halted degenerative progression.
MODIC changes: Signal changes in vertebral endplates and bone marrow, associated with inflammation. Improvement suggests reduced inflammatory processes.
Disc protrusion (AP diameter): Extent of disc bulging. Reduction indicates decreased herniation and potential relief of nerve compression.
BME & endplate irregularities: Inflammatory or structural damage at vertebral endplates. Reduction suggests decreased inflammation and improved structural integrity.
Conclusion
The findings objectively support the effectiveness of WJ-MSC therapy for degenerative disc disease. Through comprehensive clinical and radiological assessment, sustained improvements were observed in disc water content, disc height, reduced disc protrusion, and reversal of inflammatory changes including MODIC and bone marrow edema. These results demonstrate not only symptomatic relief but also structural improvements, highlighting a true regenerative effect.
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