Abstract: Early treatment for a degenerated disc includes identifying a non-ruptured, dehydrated disc. A hygroscopic agent is then selected. This agent should pull water towards itself and have a hygroscopic compound with a molecular weight of at least 400 Daltons. Additionally, it may be desirable to selected hygroscopic compounds that are anionic or electrically neutral. The hygroscopic agent is then injected into the nucleus pulposus of the disc without any prior removal of the nucleus pulposus material. Because the surrounding disc structure allows for the passive diffusion of water into the nucleus pulposus, the hygroscopic agent will draw water into the nucleus pulposus, thus promoting tissue hydration within the disc. The hygroscopic agent may also include a biological agent and/or an imaging agent.

Abstract: A putty form biomaterial composition made of a collagen scaffold and ceramic granule having improved flowable yet cohesive characteristics through the addition of, either individually or in some combination, polyhydroxy compounds, a liquid polyhydroxy compound ester, a liquid solution of solid polyhydroxy compound, a liquid solution of solid polyhydroxy compound ester to allow for use in surgical bone repair is presented. Specific polyhydroxy compounds, including polyethylene glycol polymers (PEG), PPO/PEO block co-polymers (i.e., a poloxamer NF grade), and the polysaccharides alginate and chitosan may be utilized.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards the use and delivery of a therapeutic method and agent to reduce and prevent excessive scarring resulting from cellular contraction and/or excess accumulation of extracellular matrix by inhibition and/or inducement of smooth muscle actin (SMA) and/or tissue growth factor beta (TGF-?) in a tissue, organ or injury site.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and composition developed to be used with imaging techniques and useful for diagnosis and monitoring the pain generator(s) of axial pain with or without radiculopathy and methods for screening therapeutic compounds potentially useful for treating axial pain with or without radiculopathy. Alternatively, degenerated discs can be monitored and treated before occurrence of a pathological pain condition. Pain markers and markers of degeneration include markers of neuronal, vascular, immune and matrix elements.

Abstract: The invention provides kits developed to analyze ex vivo, a sample retrieved from the area of the pathological condition for diagnosis and monitoring the pain generator(s) of axial pain with or without radiculopathy and methods for screening therapeutic compounds potentially useful for treating axial pain with or without radiculopathy. Alternatively, degenerated discs can be monitored and treated before occurrence of a pathological pain condition. Pain markers and markers of degenerating disc include markers of neuronal, vascular, immune and matrix elements.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and related methods and composition useful for diagnosis and monitoring the pain generator(s) of axial pain with or without radiculopathy and methods for screening test compounds potentially useful for treating axial pain with or without radiculopathy. Alternatively, degenerated discs can be monitored and treated before occurrence of a pathological pain condition. Pain markers and markers of degenerating disc include markers of neuronal, vascular, immune and matrix elements.