Empa researchers are on the trail of spinal degeneration

Researchers at Empa and Balgrist University Hospital in Zurich are on the trail of degenerative diseases of the spine. Initial studies have shown that a stabilizing ligament in the spine could play a decisive role in lumbar spinal stenosis, for example, explains Empa in a press release. The group of researchers led by Annapaola Parrilli from Empa's Center for X-Ray Analytics are therefore investigating the influence of the ligamentum flavum on degenerations of the spine in a project supported by foundations and private individuals.

"We are investigating the ligamentum flavum using various imaging and biomechanical methods in order to gain a better understanding of how its structure and stability change over time," said doctoral student Raluca Barna from Parrilli's team in the press release. The researchers can draw on donated real Ligamenta flava. They hope that the research results will lead to a faster identification of suitable treatment methods. According to Parrilli, the first trials have already yielded a range of promising data.

The project was financed by Empa's Future Fund. The research institute is looking for private funding for projects that have not yet received funding elsewhere. In addition to information on the Future Fund, Empa's website also contains a donation option. ce/hs