Understanding Curved Spines: Scientists Investigate Ligaments

Scientists from Trinity College Dublin are studying how spinal ligaments impact postural support and mechanical stability in the spine to better understand the development of curved spines, such as in scoliosis.

Scoliosis, which can affect people of any age but is more common in children, can cause back pain and breathing difficulties when severe.

By investigating the maturation of spinal ligaments in chick embryos, the researchers aim to identify potential factors contributing to spinal deformities like scoliosis.

Understanding the development of these ligaments may lead to preventive interventions for spinal conditions.

The study, published in the Journal of Anatomy, highlights changes in collagen fiber organization in spinal ligaments during development, shedding light on areas for further investigation.

Future research will explore the role of embryonic movement in ligament maturation and its potential connection to spinal defects like scoliosis.

This study, led by Zoology graduate Sarah Hennigan, lays the groundwork for understanding how defects in spinal ligaments during development may lead to adolescent scoliosis.

Funding for this research was provided by Enterprise Ireland, a Higher Education research grant, and the Fondation Yves Cotrel pour la Recherche en Pathologie Rachidienne—Institut de France.

The full journal article can be accessed on the Journal of Anatomy website.

According to the source: Trinity College Dublin.