A new case report published in Cureus by Dr Lee Walker, alongside Dr Pamela Saavedra and Dr Paula Arroyo, explores the use of polydeoxyribonucleotides (PDRN) in supporting regeneration of the tongue apex following traumatic partial amputation.1 The authors document the recovery of a 34-year-old male who lost approximately 30% of the tongue apex in a car accident, assessing how polynucleotides may influence both structural healing and functional restoration. 

Trauma, repair and regenerative rationale 

Although the tongue is known for its intrinsic regenerative capacity, with research showing that it can undergo substantial endogenous repair when vascular supply is preserved,2 significant loss of apex tissue can still lead to long-term difficulties with articulation, swallowing and fine motor control.3 

In this case, standard surgical repair was followed by a combined approach incorporating weekly PDRN injections, silicone gel to reduce fibrotic scarring,4 daily oral physiotherapy exercises aimed at improving tongue mobility and functional use of the remaining tissue.3 

Walker and colleagues note that PDRN’s established actions – promoting angiogenesis, modulating inflammation and stimulating fibroblast activity – provide a clear rationale for its use in a functionally demanding area such as the lingual apex.5 

Study approach  

PDRN treatment began 12 days after surgical repair. The formulation used contained 25 mg/mL polydeoxyribonucleotides with 3 mg/mL lidocaine, administered through micro-injections of 0.05 mL placed directly into the apical region of the remaining tongue tissue, up to a total volume of 1.5 mL per session, repeated weekly for four weeks.1 

The patient also applied a silicone gel daily, intended to help minimise fibrotic scar formation and support more favourable wound remodelling.1 

Functional rehabilitation was initiated three weeks after the accident. As part of this, the patient was advised to carry out daily oral physiotherapy exercises aimed at improving tongue mobility and functional use of the residual tissue. These exercises involved repeated practice intended to support improved use of the remaining tongue tissue during speech and swallowing, and were performed over a four-week period.1 

Clinical progression was monitored for three months using serial photography, articulation scoring, the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and the SF-36 quality-of-life questionnaire.1 

Findings  

Serial photographs demonstrated progressive restoration of tissue volume and improved contour at the apex across the follow-up period. Functional outcomes reflected this trajectory. The patient’s articulation score improved by three points, and his EAT-10 score fell from 14 to 4, indicating substantial improvement in swallowing function. 

Quality-of-life scores on the SF-36 increased by around 25% in mental-health metrics and 30% in physical-health metrics. No adverse events were reported, and the full protocol – including PDRN injections, silicone-gel application and physiotherapy – was well tolerated. 

Effect of surgical and pharmacological treatments on tongue regeneration (A) basal tongue traumatism, (B) the tongue aspect after the surgical procedure, (C) the tongue cicatrization at basal condition (12 days after surgery) and (D) at the end of regeneration treatment (eight weeks). Images courtesy of Saavedra P, Walker L, Arroyo P. Effect of Polynucleotides on Apex Lingual Regeneration After Amputation Due to a Car Accident: A Case Report. Cureus. 2025;17(11):e96990. doi:10.7759/cureus.96990. 

Interpretation  

While regeneration cannot be attributed solely to PDRN, the authors argue that the outcomes are consistent with the known biological effects of polynucleotides.5 Within the broader multimodal strategy employed, PDRN may have contributed to an environment supportive of improved structural and functional recovery. 

The authors highlight the need for controlled studies to better understand PDRN’s specific role in complex soft-tissue regeneration and its potential incorporation into clinical protocols involving orofacial structures. 

Discussion  

The authors describe how PDRN, already recognised for its role in skin rejuvenation and tissue repair, was applied in this case as an adjuvant to support regeneration following partial tongue amputation. The improvements observed in tissue appearance, phonemic articulation and patient-reported function suggest that PDRN may contribute positively to the natural process of lingual healing. 

As emphasised in the original study, these findings represent a single clinical experience, and further research is required to determine whether PDRN provides consistent benefit in similar cases or in broader orofacial soft-tissue applications.