Perspectives on the treatment of the longitudinal spinal cord injury

The surgical treatment of longitudinal spinal cord injuries has shown success in restoring some motor function and reducing pain. However, challenges remain, including neuronal death, regeneration direction, and muscle disintegration from denervation. Combinational therapies are needed for further functional improvement. Replantation of avulsed ventral spinal roots can promote spinal cord regeneration of motoneurons, leading to functional re-innervation of muscles and pelvic organs.

• 1
  Surgical replantation of avulsed cervical and lumbosacral ventral spinal roots can promote spinal cord regeneration of autonomic and somatic motoneurons.
• 2
  Unexpected benefits from surgery include pain alleviation and central cortical proprioceptive modulation of restored muscle activity.
• 3
  Combination treatment with riluzole and GDNF after ventral root avulsion and replantation showed good regeneration and significant functional recovery.