Application of“Spinal cord fusion” in spinal cord injury repair and its neurological mechanism

Heliyon, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29422 · Published: April 9, 2024

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) presents a significant global clinical challenge due to the limited regenerative capacity and inadequate neuroplasticity of the spinal cord. This review focuses on the concept of "Spinal Cord Fusion" (SCF), a promising technique for SCI reconstruction, aiming to solve SCI repair and bring new breakthroughs in paraplegia treatment. The SCF technique involves removing the injured segment of the spinal cord, applying a fusogenic agent like PEG to fuse the severed ends, and using electrical stimulation to promote axon regeneration and restore motor and sensory functions.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

20 patients with paraplegic SCI

Evidence Level

Review article

Key Findings

1
Spinal Cord Fusion (SCF) has shown remarkable results in restoring motor function in rodents, dogs, and non-human primates.
2
Preliminary clinical results indicate that SCF can restore the morphological continuity of the spinal cord and allow action potentials to pass through the transection area.
3
The cortico-trunco-reticulo-propriospinal pathway (CTRPS) plays a critical role in the recovery of sensorimotor function after SCF, facilitating clinical restoration of sensorimotor function.

Research Summary

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a significant clinical challenge due to the limited regenerative capacity of the spinal cord, but advancements in bioengineering technology and novel therapies offer hope. Spinal Cord Fusion (SCF) is a promising technique for SCI reconstruction that involves restoring electrical continuity across the injured area and utilizing alternative pathways to re-establish neural conduction. SCF has demonstrated successful reconstruction of morphological continuity and electrical reconnection of the transected spinal cord in animal models and preliminary clinical trials, offering a novel avenue for future SCI repair therapies.

Practical Implications

Clinical Application

SCF shows potential for clinical application in humans, requiring further exploration and optimization of surgical programs.

Intelligent Medical Technologies Integration

The integration of intelligent medical technologies, bioengineering advancements, and related fields can potentially lead to complementary advantages for SCI repair.

Postoperative Rehabilitation

Emphasizing postoperative rehabilitation and functional training is crucial for advancing SCF as an effective approach for SCI treatment.

Study Limitations

1
SCF requires further exploration for potential human clinical applications.
2
Optimal surgical program for SCF need to be determined.
3
Efficacy of different operative procedures needs to be tailored to suit various patients with SCI.

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