Approved research

Identifying Genetic Markers for Developing Pseudoarthrosis or Adjacent Segment Disease after Cervical Spine Surgery

Lay summary

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine, which encompasses disc degeneration, disc herniation and osteophyte formation often times leads to discogenic neck pain resulting from cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy. However, very little is known whether genetic marker/s can identify the patients susceptible to developing pseudoarthrosis and adjacent segment syndrome after cervical disc fusion and cervical disc replacement surgery. The study aims to identify genetic markers in patients who are susceptible to developing pseudoarthrosis and adjacent segment disease using genetic materials from the blood, NP and AF collected from the patients undergoing cervical disc surgery. One of Biobank's aims is to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of serious illnesses. The high prevalence of discogenic neck pain along with the immense cost burden of neck pain results in a significant impact on our healthcare system as well our communities. The current surgical treatments include cervical disc fusion and cervical disc arthroplasty. Both surgical treatments have their advantages and risks such as pseudoarthrosis and adjacent segment syndrome. The study aims to identify a gene in patients who are susceptible to developing pseudoarthrosis and adjacent segment disease in patients undergoing cervical disc surgery. The proposed study is based on our hypothesis that there is a genetic predisposition for pseudoarthrosis and adjacent segment disease, which is supported by current literature providing evidence for genetic predisposition of disc disease. However, the research is limited in identifying specific genes that determine prognosis and outcomes for individuals undergoing treatments for spinal cord diseases. We would like to look at all cervical surgery patients and healthy participants.