Spinal

Scientists at the University of California San Diego are reporting a breakthrough in spinal injury research, demonstrating a new injection technique in mice they say can deliver far larger doses of stem cells to problem areas with far less risk.

​When a spinal cord injury occurs, sometimes it's the body's own immune system that causes the subsequent paralysis. In the not-too-distant future, however, it's possible that an injection of nanoparticles at the injury site may be able to rein in the well-meaning but destructive immune cells.

​As the shock-absorbing cartilage discs between our vertebrae degenerate due to aging, accidents or overuse, severe back pain can result. While some scientists have developed purely synthetic replacement discs, a recent test on goats indicates that bioengineered discs may be a better way to go.

A new study describes progress in a groundbreaking technique that is helping paraplegic patients walk again. The experimental process, involving electrically stimulating the spinal cord, is proving increasingly promising as research works to improve the design of the treatment.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have designed a silicone device, covered in 3D-printed neuronal stem cells, that can be implanted into a spinal injury. There it grows new connections between remaining nerves to let patients regain some motor control.

A team of researchers has successfully regenerated spinal tissue in rat models. Using a common antibiotic as the on/off switch, the therapy breaks down scar tissue and allows new nerve cells to grow, resulting in rats with spinal injuries relearning complex hand movements.

Six people suffering varying degrees of paralysis have now regained the use of their hands and fingers after participating in a UCLA-led study of a nonsurgical, noninvasive spinal stimulation technique.

Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed a handheld "wand" optical tracking system which it says makes back surgery faster, safer and cheaper. Described as "a Google Maps for the body," the system provides real-time 3-dimensional tracking to help guide the surgeon as they operate.

​There are some paraplegic rats that are now able to walk again, or that are at least coming close to doing so, and it's thanks to human stem cells. The cells essentially helped bridge a gap that scientists had introduced in the animals' spinal cords.

Like many lizards, geckos can detach their tail in order to evade a predator, then regrow it complete with the spinal cord. Now, a scientist has discovered how they go about doing it. His findings could lead to improved treatment of spinal cord injuries in humans.

​An innovative combination of electrical spinal stimulation and physical therapy has allowed 26-year-old Jered Chinnock to intentionally move his legs for the first time in three years, after an accident left him paralyzed.

Researchers at OSU are working on a way to restore movement to paralyzed patients by means of tiny arrays of implantable electrodes. The team has demonstrated the electrodes' potential in a cat, which provides hope not only for those with spinal cord injuries, but also people with prosthetic limbs.