Stem cells behind tendons and ligaments linked to spinal stenosis

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and Hospital for Special Surgery identified a stem cell population that builds tendons and ligaments. Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, which affects about 103 million people worldwide, had more of these cells, and elevated calcium signaling drove excess tissue growth, suggesting calcium channel blockers as a possible treatment.

• Spinal stenosis affects an estimated 103 million people worldwide
• Ligaments of stenosis patients contained more of the newly found stem cells
• Increased calcium signaling triggered excessive tissue growth
• Calcium channel blockers may become a therapeutic target