Local injection of autologous bone marrow cells to regenerate muscle in patients with traumatic brachial plexus injury: a pilot study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Traumatic brachial plexus injury causes severe functional impairment of the arm. Elbow flexion is often affected. Nerve surgery or tendon transfers provide the only means to obtain improved elbow flexion. Unfortunately, the functionality of the arm often remains insufficient. Stem cell therapy could potentially improve muscle strength and avoid muscle-tendon transfer. This pilot study assesses the safety and regenerative potential of autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear cell injection in partially denervated biceps.

Methods

Nine brachial plexus patients with insufficient elbow flexion (i.e., partial denervation) received intramuscular escalating doses of autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells, combined with tendon transfers. Effect parameters inclu

SUBMITTER: Hogendoorn S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3942869 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature