Adipose-derived stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries: Advances, challenges, and future directions.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) has limited treatment options for regaining function. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) show promise owing to their ability to differentiate into multiple cell types, promote nerve cell survival, and modulate inflammation. This review explores ADSC therapy for SCI, focusing on its potential for improving function, preclinical and early clinical trial progress, challenges, and future directions. Preclinical studies have demonstrated ADSC transplantation's effectiveness in promoting functional recovery, reducing cavity formation, and enhancing nerve regrowth and myelin repair. To improve ADSC efficacy, strategies including genetic modification and combination with rehabilitation are being explored. Early clinical trials have shown safety and feasibility, with some suggesting motor and sensory function improvements. Challenges remain for clinical translation, including optimizing cell survival and delivery, determining dosing, addressing tumor formation risks, and establishing standardized protocols. Future research should focus on overcoming these challenges and exploring the potential for combining ADSC therapy with other treatments, including rehabilitation and medication.

Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Flap in an Older Patient With Congenital Muscular Torticollis.

Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is caused by muscle damage during childbirth, tumors, or masses within the muscles and generally resolves with physical therapy during infancy. In this study, we performed reconstruction after resection of a parotid gland tumor using a sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCMM) flap in an older patient with neglected CMT. The patient was a 64-year-old woman who had had a left-sided oblique neck since infancy but had never received any treatment, including physical therapy. She underwent parotid tumor resection and SCMM flap transfer. The SCMM flap can be safely elevated using indocyanine green fluorescence angiography, with the middle pedicle serving as the feeding vessel to fill the parotid defect. Three months after surgery, the torticollis had improved and the cheek depression was not noticeable, indicating the effectiveness of surgical treatment for CMT in older patients and the possibility of using SCMM as a muscle flap.

Management of Axillary Contracture in Poland Syndrome: Differentiating Fibrous Band and Skin for Optimal Release.

Poland syndrome (PS), an uncommon congenital unilateral aplasia of chest wall muscles, may exhibit rare accompanying signs, such as axillary webbing or contractures. The existing literature on the specific management of axillary contractures is limited. In this report, we present the case of a 10-year-old girl with PS manifesting an axillary web containing a fibrous band, which was successfully surgically corrected by a double-opposing Z-plasty. Our surgical approach entailed a meticulous distinction between the deep fibrous band and the superficial cutaneous layer, guided by histopathological findings that indicated the presence of tendon-like tissue, ultimately yielding excellent outcomes. This report will help expand knowledge by highlighting the unique manifestation of PS and emphasizing the importance of employing appropriate treatment approaches. Moreover, addressing both tendon and skin components is essential for optimal contracture release in PS.