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Nature 440, 850-851 (13 April 2006) | doi:10.1038/440850b; Published online 12 April 2006

Open Innovation Challenges

Patients warned about unproven spinal surgery

David Cyranoski

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Critics attack Chinese treatment despite anecdotal successes.

Pressure is mounting on a Beijing neurosurgeon to prove that his popular treatment for spinal-cord injury works. In an article published last month, a group of spinal experts concludes that the treatment, which involves implanting fetal cells into the spine to promote nerve-cell regeneration, has significant side effects and does not provide any benefit.