Stem Cell Salvage of injured peripheral nerve

Background We previously have developed a polyglycolic acid (PGA)-collagen tube filled with autologous skin-derived stem cells (SDSCs) for bridge long rat sciatic nerves gaps. Here we describe a case report of this graft for repairing poly-injured motor and sensory nerves of upper arms of a human patient.
Methods During the 3-year follow-up period, functional recovery of the injured median and ulnar nerve was assessed by pinch gauge test, static two-point discrimination and touch test with monofilaments, in couple with electrophysiological and MRI examinations.
Results The motor and sensory function of the median nerve demonstrated an ongoing recovery post-implantation during the follow-up period.
Conclusions The results indicate that the PGA-collagen/SDSCs artificial nerve graft could be used for surgical repair of larger defects in major lesions of peripheral nerves increasing the quality of life of treated patient by salvage the upper arms from amputation.