Stem cell hope for bone fractures (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

UK scientists hope to mend shattered bones and damaged cartilage using a patient's own stem cells.

They are developing a "bioactive scaffold" to protect the stem cells and encourage them to grow into bone or cartilage when placed in the body.

The Edinburgh University team hope the technique, which uses stem cells from blood and bone marrow, will be tested in patients within two years.

Surgeons said it could help repair trauma injuries too severe to heal.
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Dr Brendon Noble, who works in the University of Edinburgh's MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine said initially they would look at mending cartilage injuries which do not tend to heal well or bone fractures caused by severe trauma such as motorbike accidents.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7246968.stm