Reduction in post-spinal cord injury spasticity by combination of peripheral nerve grafting and acidic fibroblast growth factor infusion in monkeys

This study investigates a novel approach to reduce spasticity, a common complication after spinal cord injury (SCI), in monkeys. The approach involves transplanting peripheral nerve segments into the injured spinal cord site. Alongside nerve grafting, the monkeys received infusions of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) to support the nerve grafts. All monkeys underwent postoperative exercise training and therapy. The study found that the combined therapy significantly reduced spasticity signs, suggesting it could be a complementary approach for managing spasticity in SCI patients.

• 1
  The combined therapy of peripheral nerve grafting and aFGF infusion substantially reduced spasticity in leg muscle tone, patella tendon reflex, and fanning of toes in monkeys with SCI.
• 2
  Monkeys receiving the combined therapy showed fewer neurological impairments compared to the control group, as indicated by the modified Ashworth scale scores.
• 3
  The functional recovery in control monkeys reached a plateau and began to decline after 11 weeks, while treated monkeys continued to show improvement in gait symmetry.