Cell technologies in reconstructive surgery and traumatology

During the last two years, physicians of the Center for Microvascular Surgery and Department of Traumatology (Russian Children's Clinical Hospital) have achieved significant success in treatment of neurotrophic ulcers and correction of bone tissue defects using cell technologies.

• Neurotrophic ulcers are frequent consequences of spinal cord injuries due to some trauma or illness. Such ulcers lead to extremely serious infectious complications, including generalized ones, which may end in grave or even fatal results.

Efficient treatment of neurotrophic ulcers should be combined, using state-of-the-art drugs, which fill the bone defects (Collost, Keratan); autologous cell therapy; and implantation of a stimulator that improves the general tissue trophism.
Prior to the major surgery, the doctors take the patient's own stem cells and use them to isolate and cultivate tissue cells that are required to heal the defect in question. Further, the cell preparation is placed on a collagen film (Collost), which is prepared in advance and serves as the matrix for the formation of a healthy tissue. Finally, this film is transplanted to the patient. Presently this technology ensures the fastest closure of trophic ulcers.
Such a combination may also be used for treatment of vascular ulcers, traumatic lesions of peripheral nerves, etc.

Each component of such treatment requires significant time and money. Cultivation of autologous cells costs $1500 or even more (depending on the area of the lesion); the amount of Collost required for a treatment course may reach $1000; and the cost of a neurostimulator is about $1500.
These expenses are not yet covered by the state budget.

• At the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics (Russian Children's Clinical Hospital), surgical treatment using cell technology (cultivation and implantation of autologous bone tissue cells in combination with a bone graft) is successfully used in treatment of patients with grave bone defects, such as congenital false joint or osteomyelitis.

As a result, the integrity of leg bones is restored and the patients can walk again.
Our charitable foundation finances cell (osteoblast) cultivation and preparation of bone grafts for such patients. The complete course of treatment for one patient costs from $3000 to $5000.