Michigan Rehabilation Institute Program Could Be In Place By Next Year
POSTED: 5:26 p.m. EDT October 23, 2003
A new procedure for spinal cord patients is giving some a beacon of hope. It can't help everyone, but it's a start. Patients who have some function and not a complete break in the spinal cord can benefit from the treatment.
"I can wiggle my toes more. I can move my legs," said Robert Smith of Harrison Township.
It's a miracle the 46-year-old man can even do that. He injured his spinal cord in a diving accident four years ago and was paralyzed from the chest down.
But his life changed four weeks ago. Smith traveled to China to meet Dr. Hongyun Huang who performed an innovative surgery. He transplanted fetal cells into the spine. Huang said the cells help regenerate nerve fibers.
Hours after the procedure Smith started to regain some movement.
"It's overwhelming. You just at first can't believe that it's happening because for so long it hasn't happened," Smith said.
He can breathe more easily, his grip has improved, along with some function in his legs and feet. And doctors say he could still regain even more function.
"That's my dream ... to make the spinal patients with spinal cord injury get better," said Huang.
As for Smith, he's thankful for the wonders of medicine in helping him to get his life back.
"Naturally, I want to walk again. I want to be what I was before, but I'll take everything I can get. Now there's more hope than ever," said Smith.
This treatment is not being done in the United States. Huang is partnering with the Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan. A program to help local patients will include part of these new treatments and should be established by next year.
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