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Neurology · Spinal cord injury

刘先生 (Mr. Liu)· 32 male

Hong Kong
Country
Hong Kong
Treatment start
2022-12-09

Anamnesis

Mr. Liu, age 32, from Hong Kong. Motor vehicle accident caused T12 vertebral burst fracture; underwent T10-L3 internal fixation with metal hardware. Reduced sensation in lower abdomen, no sensation in both groin areas and below the perineum. Right lower limb shows partial knee joint motion, cannot lift or shift the leg. Left lower limb shows only muscle contractions; muscle strength 0-1, right lower limb 1-2. Post-surgery long-term opioid analgesic use with addiction. Legs have partial sensation, feet without significant sensation. Urination via catheter, no spontaneous bowel function.

Treatment plan

2022-12-09 — mesenchymal stem cells 6U IV + 3U lumbar puncture, combined with rehabilitation, bi-weekly, 3 administrations = 1 cycle, 2 cycles total.

SchemaUC-MSC 6U IV + 3U LP bi-weekly × 3 × 2 cycles
Therapy
UC-MSC (umbilical cord MSC)
Delivery route
Intravenous (IV)Lumbar puncture (LP)

Video follow-up

Video 1

Outcome

After 1st cycle: tingling sensation in both lower limbs, slight pain at right ankle, both legs developed faint sensation. Gradual withdrawal of neuropathic analgesics was advised. Both lower limbs can flex; after flexion cannot self-shift, right lower limb can shift, left cannot.

After 2nd cycle: hip and lower limb muscle strength recovered to various degrees — right 3-4, left 3-4. Skin sensation in lower limbs sharper than before, perineum still without sensation. Right lower limb toe proprioception emerged but weaker than normal. Touch-pain sensation in right thigh and calf restored to normal.

Remote follow-up from home in Hong Kong

Patient can lift right leg independently and hold for over 1 minute; left leg lifted with hand assistance held for about 10 seconds.

Background

Spinal cord injury is one of the most severe complications of spinal trauma, often causing significant functional impairment below the injury level. Beyond the physical and psychological suffering of patients, it imposes a substantial economic burden on society. Prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of spinal cord injury is a major focus of modern medicine.

Comparison before / after cell therapy

  • Before: required assistance to lift legs
  • After 2 cycles: lifts legs independently

Physician conclusion

Stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury is safe, with marked neural function recovery. Additional unexpected effect — mesenchymal stem cells helped the patient overcome one year of morphine dependence.

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