New treatment for nerve damage due in Italy by end of year

(ANSA) - Turin, November 24 - Mini-prostheses made using molecules derived from shellfish will be available in Italy for treating nerve damage by the end of the year.
    The prostheses, which have already been in use across Europe for the past six months, will be employed for the first time in Italy by surgeons in Turin.
    Use of the therapy will be discussed at the 26th National Congress of the Italian Society for Micro-surgery, which is due to be held in Turin on November 26-28.
    Completely natural and eco-friendly, the therapy uses waste from crustaceans such as crabs and prawns. Experts have estimated that it could help to treat 5-10% of injuries caused at work, school or home.
    By providing nerve fibres with a tunnel through which they can regrow, the mini-prostheses help recover functionality of injured nerves.
    Similar to little tubes, they can be completely absorbed by the body in six months to a year, without any risk of being rejected.