Papers of the Week

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) constitutes a crucial pathological foundation for spinal degenerative diseases (SDD) and stands as a primary contributor to both low back pain (LBP) and disability. The progression of IVDD is linked to structural and functional alterations in tissues, where an imbalance in the inflammatory microenvironment can induce extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, senescence, and apoptosis. This imbalance is a key pathomechanism in the disease’s development, gaining considerable attention in recent years. This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis of publications pertaining to the inflammatory mechanisms of IVDD to quantitatively assess current research hotspots and directions.