Methods And Compositions For The Treatment Of Open And Closed Wound Spinal Cord Injuries

Abstract

Devices and methods for the treatment of open and closed wound spinal cord injuries are disclosed. For example, described herein are devices and methods for mitigating secondary injury to, and promoting recovery of, spinal cord primary injuries. More particularly, certain embodiments of the present invention are directed to polymeric mini-tubes that may be used for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. In addition, other embodiments are directed to polymeric “fill-in” bandages that may be used for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. For example, an erodible, or biodegradable, form of biocompatible polymer of the present invention is fabricated for surgical implantation into the site of the spinal cord injury.

1 - 45 . (canceled) 
     
     
         46 . A method of treating a compression and/or contusion spinal cord injury in an animal comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a suitably sized biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable polymeric article for implanting within a necrotic lesion of the spinal cord parenchyma tissue, wherein the polymeric article comprises a single layer scaffold; and   (b) implanting the polymeric article within the lesion to bridge a gap in the spinal cord parenchymal tissue formed by said lesion wherein once implanted said polymeric article is not exposed to the environment outside the spinal cord.   
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein said polymeric article comprises a single layer linear aliphatic polyester scaffold. 
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein the linear aliphatic polyester is a polyglycolide or a co-polymer of poly(glycolide-co-lactide). 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the polymeric article degrades in vivo in 30 to 60 days. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the polymeric article is a cylinder. 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the polymeric article is moldable. 
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the polymeric article is tubular. 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the polymeric article further comprises one or more medicinal agents deposited onto the polymeric article. 
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the one or more medicinal agents are selected from the group consisting of anti-inflammatory agents, growth factors and stem cells. 
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the stem cells are selected from the group consisting of neuronal stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells. 
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein implanting the polymeric article within the lesion comprises inserting the polymeric article such that the central section of the lesion is encapsulated by the article. 
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 56 , wherein the polymeric article extends at least 1 mm beyond the caudal and rostral ends of the lesion. 
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 56 , wherein the polymeric article extends at least 2 mm beyond the caudal and rostral ends of the lesion. 
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the method is performed before, during or after decompression surgery. 
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the method spares residual spinal cord parenchymal tissue adjacent to the lesion.