Stem cells 'promote neck vertebrae growth'RSS Feed

Individuals with spinal injury could in future be helped by stem cell technology that can grow neck vertebrae.

Researchers at the University of California Davis Health System used adult stem cells to encourage the growth of bone tissue following the removal of cervical disks.

The marrow-derived stem cells promoted the growth of the bone tissue used in spinal fusion after surgery, it was found.

Neurosurgery professor Kee Kim commented: "We hope that this investigational procedure eventually will help those who undergo spinal fusion in the back as well as in the neck,"

"And the knowledge gained about stem cells also will be applied in the near future to treat without surgery those suffering from back pain."

Removal of the cervical disc alleviates pain as it can eliminate nerve compression and friction between the vertebrae.

Spinal fusion surgery is carried out on degenerative disc disease patients, in which the cartilage has worn away so that bone rub against bone and herniated discs, pinching or compressing nerves and causing a large amount of pain.

News by Serious Law. Expert legal assistance for those affected by spinal injury

Posted by Paul Breen
 

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