Articles tagged with Spinal Injuries
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have developed a regenerative treatment using stem cell-derived spinal interneurons to repair damaged neural networks in rats. The new cells not only survived and formed connections with the animals' own neural circuits but also improved breathing-related motor function after transplantation.
A new position statement calls for systematic bone health optimization before joint replacement and spinal fusion surgery. Key findings include the progressive mechanical failure of bone-implant constructs resulting from compromised bone quality, particularly due to osteoporosis.
A novel antibody, NG101, accelerates the regeneration of damaged spinal cord tissue by neutralizing a protein that blocks nerve fiber growth. This therapy enables new nerve fibers to form functional connections, allowing patients to become more independent and potentially recover arm and hand function.
Researchers developed an advanced organoid model for human spinal cord injury and tested a promising regenerative therapy. The treatment triggered neurite growth and reduced scarring in injured organoids, offering validation for its potential to work in humans.
Researchers have successfully decoded movement signals from patients' brains using electroencephalography (EEG) devices. However, decoding specific signals for lower limb movements remains challenging due to the limited depth of brain activity detection.
The new book Spinal Surgery Biomechanics: Principles for Residents offers a comprehensive exploration of core biomechanical concepts essential for mastering spinal surgical procedures. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, providing a biomechanical framework that supports surgical planning and patient safety.
Researchers assess ligament maturation and movement impact on scoliotic conditions, providing new insights into the structural hallmarks of embryonic spinal ligaments. The study aims to identify potential connections between embryonic movement and spinal deformities in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Researchers from the University of Portsmouth found that high-support bras could unintentionally increase loading on the spine. The study suggests that a balance between comfort and breast support is needed in bra design to prevent potential musculoskeletal impacts.
Researchers are conducting a first-in-human clinical trial to test a modified herpes virus that targets spinal cord nerve cells to treat neurogenic bladder. The therapy, EG110A, aims to block sensory nerve signals causing involuntary bladder contractions and incontinence.
A clinical trial showed that an antibody blocking Nogo-A protein improves motor function in patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries. The treatment led to significant improvements in voluntary muscle activation and everyday life functional independence. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings.
A team led by Timothy Sell will investigate cervical spine injuries in special forces combat soldiers, analyzing design features and risk factors for injury prevention. The study aims to develop interventions to reduce chronic pain and disability among military personnel.
Research at the University of Tsukuba found high vertebral instability and diffuse low-signal changes in T2-weighted MRI observations to be risk factors for deteriorated ambulation status following different conservative treatments. These findings could help predict whether a patient's ability to walk will be affected by these treatments.
The West Virginia University athletic training researcher developed a new national position statement on emergency action plan development and implementation in sports. The recommendations aim to reduce catastrophic injuries by designating an emergency action plan coordinator who collaborates with other athletic staff.
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital developed a highly accurate prediction rule to identify children at risk of cervical spine injuries, allowing for reduced use of CT scans and decreased radiation exposure. The rule is easy to use and relies solely on symptoms and physical examination, with the potential to improve clinical ...
Researchers discovered a link between high arm fat and low bone quality, particularly in the spine. Those with excess body fat, regardless of BMI, had lower bone quality and strength in their vertebrae.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed flexible electronic devices that wrap around the spinal cord, recording nerve signals and stimulating limb movement. The devices could lead to treatments for spinal injuries without brain surgery, improving safety for patients.
Researchers are developing new materials to treat spinal injury, repair, and recovery. A team led by Pitt Engineer Amir Alavi is testing the first
A new study by Concordia researchers found a strong positive relationship between percentage body fat and echo intensity, indicating more fat within the muscle. The study also revealed differences in lumbar multifidus characteristics between male and female athletes, with females having larger LMs than males.
A world-first trial by the University of Sydney found that opioids do not alleviate acute back and neck pain, but may cause harm. The researchers recommend updating treatment guidelines to advise against opioid use for this purpose.
New research from Ohio State University suggests that cognitive dissonance can lead to added pressure on the neck and low back during lifting and lowering tasks. The study found that participants who experienced higher levels of cognitive dissonance had increased spine loading, particularly in the neck region.
Researchers developed an epigenetic activator TTK21 to aid spinal cord regeneration in mice 12 weeks after severe injury. Treatment improved axon sprouting, sensory axon growth, and halted retraction of motor axons, leading to potential breakthroughs for human patients.
The Kessler Foundation has received significant funding to advance research on spinal cord injury, including studies on epidural stimulation and shockwave therapy for spasticity. The funding will also support the SCI Medicine Fellowship Program, which has trained approximately 50 specialists in spinal cord injury.
Researchers developed a blood test tool that predicts patient outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI), with 87% accuracy for predicting death and 86% for predicting severe disability. The tests are diagnostic and prognostic, easy to administer, swift, and inexpensive.
A study from Edith Cowan University reveals that electrical stimulation on specific nerves and relaxation techniques can reduce neural amplification in the spinal cord, which may help alleviate involuntary muscle spasms. These methods could provide a non-pharmacological alternative to current treatment options.
A new study from the University of Cambridge has developed an implant coating that incorporates the anti-inflammatory drug MCC950, reducing the 'foreign body reaction' to implants. This reduction allows for improved nerve regeneration and potentially transforms long-term implant treatment for serious disability or illness.
The National Athletic Trainers' Association has updated its position statement to reduce intentional head-first contact behavior in American football players. The new recommendations address education and administration, skill development and behavior modification, rules and regulations, and technology and scientific research.
Adults with spinal cord injuries have a near-80% increased risk of developing psychological conditions compared to those without the injury. Chronic pain is equally negatively impacting mental health, associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions in most cases.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University developed a new 3D scaffold design using 2-photon lithography that guides regenerating neurons in the right direction. The scaffolds promote directional growth of neurons, bridging gaps and repairing connections after spinal injuries.
Researchers used zebrafish to study spinal cord development and its role in controlling new movements, discovering patterns of neural activity that can be applied to human locomotor activities like walking and swimming. The study aims to improve treatments for movement disorders by identifying target neurons for restoration.
A team of researchers has developed a new concept for a future brain-computer interface system that employs independent, wireless microscale neural sensors to record and stimulate brain activity. The system, dubbed 'neurograins,' successfully recorded neural signals from a rodent's cerebral cortex, demonstrating its potential to provid...
University of Alberta researcher Karim Fouad found that rats with spinal injuries experienced changes in gut bacteria and anxiety-like behavior. Fecal transplants from healthy rats restored normal gut bacteria, reducing anxiety. The study suggests that gut health may play a crucial role in mental well-being after spinal cord injuries.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have made a breakthrough in restoring lower-body function after severe spinal injuries using tiny spinal implants. The implants use hair-like electrical wires to trigger the networks that already know how to do the hard work, and have shown remarkable consistency across the animal spectrum.
The study's innovative approach uses a multi-electrode interface to deliver variable targeted stimuli to the spinal cord, increasing the effectiveness of neurorehabilitation and potentially treating a wider range of individuals. The technology has also shown promise in diagnostics, allowing for the assessment of residual activity in th...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have made a breakthrough in understanding how spinal discs respond to injury. They found that using drugs like fasudil can calm cells and delay their default healing response, which has potential as a treatment for disc degeneration and back pain. This discovery highlight...
A team of researchers led by Brown University will develop and test an 'intelligent spinal interface' to help restore limb movement and bladder control for people with spinal cord injuries. The device aims to record signals from above the injury site and use them to drive electrical stimulation below the lesion.
Kessler Foundation is launching groundbreaking research at its Center for Spinal Stimulation to explore two novel treatments: transcutaneous and epidural spinal stimulation. Preliminary studies show promising results in individuals with paralysis, enabling them to stand during stimulation and regain voluntary movement.
Researchers have developed a new surgical technique to reconnect sensory neurons to the spinal cord, offering hope for treating traumatic spinal injuries. The technique involves implanting neural offshoots into the dorsal horn of the spinal cord to form a functional neural circuit.
Researchers from the Walk Again Project have reported significant recovery of neurological function in paraplegic patients who trained with a brain-controlled system. Patients regained leg muscle movement, touch sensation, and bladder/bowel control, with some experiencing improved cardiovascular function.
A minimally invasive spinal fusion procedure results in less blood loss, less postoperative pain, and a shorter hospital stay. The surgery allows for faster recovery and return to work, greatly improving patients' quality of life.
A new study published in Spine found that spinal injuries are present in 11 percent of casualties from the US Department of Defense Trauma Registry for the years 2005 to 2009. Fractures accounted for more than 80 percent of spinal injuries, with explosions causing three-fourths of these fractures.
A single injection of human neural stem cells produced therapeutic benefits in rats with acute spinal cord injury, including improved function and mobility. The grafted stem cells stimulated host neuron regeneration and partially replaced the function of lost neurons, reducing muscle spasticity.
A study of spinal injury data found that explosions accounted for 56% of spine injuries, followed by motor vehicle collisions and gunshots. The average age of injured personnel was 26.5 years, and 90% were enlisted personnel.
Researchers found geckos' severed tails exhibit complex movement patterns to distract predators, potentially leading to new insights into spinal injury recovery. The study's findings suggest central pattern generators can function without a brain or nervous system.
A new UCLA study highlights the importance of using CT scans to evaluate cervical spine injuries, finding that x-rays fail to detect secondary injuries in 36% of cases. The researchers recommend that all patients with cervical spine injuries undergo CT imaging to identify missed injuries and non-contiguous injuries.
A new project provides a comprehensive map of the rat spinal cord, allowing for seamless navigation between rat and human cords to test hypotheses and relate data. The study will also create a 3D stereotaxic space for experimental and clinical observations.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a stem cell therapy that improves motor function and sensory function below spinal injury levels. The treatment inhibits the development of astrocytes, which stimulate pain axon growth, allowing for greater production of oligodendrocytes and myelin-coated nerve fibers.
A PEG injection can prevent most dogs from suffering permanent spinal damage after injury, allowing nerve cells to heal themselves. Researchers found that nearly 75 percent of treated dogs resumed a normal life.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that pushes from behind and impacts with the boards account for most spinal injuries in ice hockey. The study also revealed regional disparities and a disturbingly low median age of injured players, highlighting the need for prevention strategies.
A recent study published in Spine highlights the importance of properly securing the trunk during ambulance transport to prevent further injuries. The research found that up to 25% of cervical spine injuries occur or are aggravated during emergency transport, with 40% resulting in neurological damage.