Clinical results in treatment of patients with spinal cord injuries, by transplantation of olfactory mucosa autografts: a case-series

Abstract
Introduction: Chronic traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI), leave a significant percentage of permanent motor and sensory disability. Transplantation of Olfactory Mucosa Autografts (OMA) at the lesion site is a hopeful procedure. We present a case-series of patients with SCI treated with OMA.
Material and methods: The AIS scale was utilized for neurologic evaluation. The features of the spinal cord lesion were determined by MRI. Neurophysiological studies were used in patients with clinical improvement. A program of rehabilitation after surgery was used at least for one year.
Results: Twenty patients underwent OMA (17 males, 3 females, age range: 22-40 years, mean age: 29.25±6.6 years).13 patients (13/20, 65%) had tetraplegia and 7 (7/20, 35%) paraplegia. Overall 80% of the patients were in ASIA score A and 30% score B. During the follow-up period, 9 patients presented improvement in ASIA scale estimation (9/20, 45%); 8 from A to B, and 1 from A to C. A complication rate of 25% was noted.All postoperative complications were minor and treated during in-hospital stay.
Conclusion: OMA in patients with SCI, offers minor clinical benefits in up to 45% of patients. Intensive rehabilitation is an important factor of maintenance and improvement of clinical and functional results obtained.

Keywords
Spinal Cord Injury, Olfactory Mucosa Autografts, Rehabilitation, complications

Cite this paper
Christos A. Gogos, Lucas M. Moschos, Agis D. Komis, George V. Bagias, Dimitrios C. Papacostantinou, Anestis A.Charalampopoulos, Clinical results in treatment of patients with spinal cord injuries, by transplantation of olfactory mucosa autografts: a case-series , SCIREA Journal of Clinical Medicine. Volume 7, Issue 1, February 2022 | PP. 30-38. 10.54647/cm32760

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