Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2016 · DOI: 10.1038/scsandc.2015.18 · Published: January 7, 2016
This case report describes a 39-year-old man with a complete spinal cord injury who regained some motor function after receiving an olfactory mucosal autograft (OMA) and intensive rehabilitation. The patient, initially with complete loss of sensorimotor function below T8, showed voluntary EMG activity and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) after the OMA transplantation. Ultimately, with the help of short leg braces and Lofstrand crutches, the patient was able to ambulate, suggesting a recovery of electrophysiological conductivity in the spinal cord.
OMA transplantation could offer a novel approach for treating chronic, complete SCI, potentially restoring some motor function and improving quality of life.
Intensive pre- and postoperative rehabilitation, including EMG biofeedback training, is crucial for maximizing the benefits of OMA transplantation.
Clinical trials with larger cohorts are needed to confirm the efficacy of OMA transplantation and to identify the mechanisms underlying functional recovery.