Surgeon performs world first spinal cord transplant in Russia

A surgeon in Russia has performed the world's first human spinal cord transplant on a patient with a complete spinal cord injury, New Scientist reported. Complete spinal cord injuries usually cause permanent paralysis below the site of the injury. [1]

According to New Scientist, the procedure involved removing a damaged segment of the patient's spinal cord three years after the initial injury occurred. The surgeon replaced the damaged segment with a section taken from a brain-dead donor. New Scientist stated that the recipient is reportedly doing well following the operation. [1]

However, the landmark operation has drawn concern from several medical researchers, New Scientist reported. Experts questioned whether the donor tissue transplant will successfully work to restore physical function or mobility for the patient over time. [1]

Medical progress and recovery efforts for spinal injuries continue globally. As HEROIC BREAKING NEWS reported earlier, seventeen-year-old Wyatt Anderson completed the Chicago Marathon after suffering a fractured spine and brief paralysis. Additionally, global events like the Wings for Life World Run collect funds dedicated entirely to spinal cord research, according to Wikipedia. [2][4]