Treatment of non-healing wounds with autologous bone marrow cells, platelets, fibrin glue and collagen matrix

Background aims. Recalcitrant diabetic wounds are not responsive to the most common treatments. Bone marrow-derived stem cell transplantation is used for the healing of chronic lower extremity wounds. Methods. We report on the treatment of eight patients with aggressive, refractory diabetic wounds. The marrow-derived cells were injected/applied topically into the wound along with platelets, fibrin glue and bone marrow-impregnated collagen matrix. Results. Four weeks after treatment, the wound was completely closed in three patients and significantly reduced in the remaining five patients. Conclusions. Our study suggests that the combination of the components mentioned can be used safely in order to synergize the effect of chronic wound healing.