Stem cells successfully heal spinal injury patientRSS Feed

A patient who suffered a spinal injury following an aeroplane crash has successfully recovered lost function through stem cell treatment.

Juan Carlos Murillo Rodriguez suffered a crush fracture of the L1 vertebral body in a propeller aeroplane crash in 2008.

This caused severe nerve pain, as well as a loss of bladder and sexual function. In addition, Mr Rodriguez suffered loss of sensation and movement in his legs.

He was treated over a ten-month period by researchers at the US Stem Cell Institute, where he made a marked recovery.

"The doctors at the Stem Cell Institute have changed my life. After the accident there was no hope. Now I have a new lease on life," he explained.

Following treatment, Mr Rodriguez recovered sensation, mobility and sexual and bladder function. The patient is now capable of walking too.

"I have recently passed my physical and am flying again as a commercial pilot," he added.

Earlier this month, scientists unveiled a new Active Book implant, which is designed to improve the lives of people who have suffered traumatic spinal injury, by transferring electrical pulses directly to the spine.

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