Stem Cells Behind Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Identified

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and Hospital for Special Surgery identified stem cells that build tendons and ligaments and become overactive in lumbar spinal stenosis. Blocking calcium signaling in mice halted tissue overgrowth, pointing to a possible non-surgical treatment.

• Lumbar spinal stenosis affects an estimated 103 million people worldwide
• Ligaments from stenosis patients contained more of these stem cells
• Reducing calcium signaling in mice blocked ligament overgrowth
• Calcium channel blockers used for blood pressure could be repurposed