Retrospective analysis of hand and foot function after application of cellular technologies in patients with post–traumatic ischemic and denervation–reinervation injuries of limb muscles

Abstract

Objective. To determine the effect of cell therapy on the function of the hand and foot in patients with ischemic and denervation–reinervation injuries of the limb muscles.
 Materials and methods. Over 9 years (2014 – early 2023), 47 patients with posttraumatic ischaemia and/or peripheral nerve damage were treated at the Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics. Cell therapy, namely the injection of bone marrow aspirate and adipose tissue suspension (cell substrates) into the target muscles, was used in 32 (68.1%) patients (main group), while 15 (31.9%) patients did not undergo cell therapy (control group). In 16 (50%) patients, cell therapy was applied to the upper limb, and in 16 (50%) – to the lower limb. Patients in the control and intervention groups were divided into three subgroups: with ischaemic contracture, peripheral nerve damage, and a combination of these pathologies.
 Results. The treatment with the use of cellular technology in patients with ischaemic and denervation–reinervation injuries of the muscles of the hand and foot had a statistically significant positive effect. In patients with ischaemic contracture of the hand 12 months after the introduction of cell substrates, the loss of its function decreased to less than 30%.
 Conclusions. Cell therapy helps to restore hand and foot function in patients with ischemic and/or denervation–reinervation injury of the limb muscles.