Avoiding amputation by Injecting stem cells into peripheral nerves

Using skin-derived stem cells (SDSCs) and a previously developed collagen tube designed to successfully bridge gaps in injured nerves in rat models, the research team in Milan, Italy that established and tested the procedure has successfully rescued peripheral nerves in the upper arms of a patient suffering peripheral nerve damage who would have otherwise had to undergo amputations.The study will be published in a future issue of Cell Transplantation but is currently freely available on-line as an unedited early e-pub.