Women who are experiencing osteoporosis or loss of bone mass as a result of may be able to receive new treatment that could help heal the problem faster than previous methods.

According to researchers from Case Western Reserve University, using natural and artificial sheaths to heal bone injuries may have a faster effect. The sleeve-like cover is administered to the outside of the bone and helps create stem cells. Inside the sleeve, the bone grows and matures, which could have lasting effects.

Researchers administered the sleeve to a wheelchair-bound patient who suffers from cerebral palsy. The sleeve worked and the patient has since regained the ability to walk.

The scientists hope that this discovery will be adapted in other facilities so that more individuals can be treated with the artificial sleeve.

“The next step is to bring the technology to the clinic, to broaden its access to the general public beyond the top clinics, for example for patients relying on hospitals in rural areas, as well as for soldiers injured on the battlefield,” researcher Ulf Knothe said.