Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) occurs when the cells within the
spinal cord are damaged or the nerve tracts that relay signals up and down the
spinal cord are severed. There are an estimated 250,000 people with SCI and
roughly 10,000 new cases annually. Depending on the type and level of the
injury, SCI can have different effects and is usually divided into two
categories; complete and incomplete. A Complete injury means that there is no
function below the level of the injury; no sensation, no voluntary movement, and
an incomplete injury means that there is some functioning below the primary
level of the injury. The American Spinal Injury Association also has further
classifications.
Researchers at Arizona State University and Banner Good
Samaritan Rehabilitation Institution have developed an implantable device that
generates electrical epidural stimulation (EES) which, when used in conjunction
with partial weight bearing therapy, restores functional ambulation in
individuals having incomplete spinal cord injuries. Patients move from partial
to full weight bearing gait training, until they have independent walking with
EES with or without an assistive device.
Potential Applications
This device works with incomplete spinal cord injuries to
promote independent walking with EES for short durations of time. Typical levels
of SCI and other disorders that can potentially be rehabilitated include:
- ASIA B – Some sensory sparing and abolished motor power
- ASIA C - Some sensory sparing and sub-functional motor
power
- ASIA D – Significant functional motor power
- Multiple Sclerosis
Benefits and Advantages
This method and device alleviate many of the immediate
barriers to rehabilitation of SCI victims.
- Cost Effective – The weight bearing system eliminates the
need for multiple physical therapists
- Improvement in gait– EES stimulates the spinal cord to
improve the weakened neural signal which is restored with the gait training
device
- Increased Patient comfort – Partial weight bearing gait
training alleviates stress on weakened muscles reducing effort of walking and
improving recovery time
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