Percutaneous laser disc decompression combined with secretome of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a patient with spinal cord injury: A case report

Introduction and importance: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating medical condition that possesses the potential to exert a substantial influence on an individual's quality of life. Traditional treatments involve surgery, however a less invasive alternative is Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD), which offers several advantages over conventional surgery, including reduced invasiveness, shorter hospitalization periods, and faster recovery rates. Case presentation: A 64-year-old male presented with bilateral limb weakness and back pain. The patient underwent PLDD of L2–3 and L3–4, was followed by the administration of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell (UC-MSC) secretomes at multiple sites. Postoperatively, the patient had significant reduction in discomfort (VAS score: 2), improved motor strength, and enhanced postural stability. Monthly assessments demonstrated continued pain reduction, bone rebuilding, and positive outcomes in bone mineral density (BMD) at the 3 and 6-month follow-ups. At one year of follow-up, the patient could walk without walking aid, and there was no complication. Clinical discussion: PLDD, conducted within 24 h, significantly alleviated the patient's discomfort. Subsequently, UC-MSC secretomes were administered to enhance the regenerative process. This intervention demonstrated safety advantages and, when combined with PLDD, led to increased bone mineral density (BMD) over three to six months, indicating ongoing spine regeneration. The secretome's anti-inflammatory properties further contributed to disc regeneration. Conclusion: We found that PLDD combined with UC-MSC secretomes may help in the regenerative process of SCI. The approach not only provides immediate relief but also contributes to long-term spinal quality improvement, presenting a promising option for those at higher surgical risks.