Although crystal deposition in cartilage and synovial fluid has received much attention, crystal formation and the role that crystal deposits play are virtually unexplored in the intervertebral disc. In articular cartilage matrix, crystal deposits are associated with altered extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell phenotypic features, but crystal deposition in the human intervertebral disc has received much less attention.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopedic Research Biology, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC 28232, USA. helen.gruber@carolinashealthcare.org
