This might work for some type of BPIs. Sadly probably not full avulsions.
-Chris
http://www.mailtribune.com/archive/2006 ... or-bk0.htm
Retraining the brain
New device offers a glimmer of hope for victims of spinal injuries and stroke
By Bill kettler
Mail Tribune
Jeremy Doman picked up a little stuffed piggy, moved it a foot and set it down.
That's what it looked like, anyway, to an observer sitting in on his therapy session. In truth, a contraption strapped around Doman's forearm sent electrical impulses to his muscles, contracting them to pick up the toy and relaxing them to release it.
The Grants Pass man lost the use of his arms and legs in an accident on the Rogue River July 16. The device that therapists have been using to help him regain use of his hands and arms takes an old concept — electrical stimulation of muscles — and updates it with modern technology.
"It tries to teach your brain," said Doman, who worked as a helicopter mechanic before his accident.
more at link.
New device offers a glimmer of hope for victims of spinal injuries
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Christopher
- Posts: 845
- Joined: Wed Jun 18, 2003 10:09 pm
- Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: Date of Injury: 12/15/02
Level of Injury:
-dominant side C5, C6, & C7 avulsed. C8 & T1 stretched & crushed
BPI Related Surgeries:
-2 Intercostal nerves grafted to Biceps muscle,
-Free-Gracilis muscle transfer to Biceps Region innervated with 2 Intercostal nerves grafts.
-2 Sural nerves harvested from both Calves for nerve grafting.
-Partial Ulnar nerve grafted to Long Triceps.
-Uninjured C7 Hemi-Contralateral cross-over to Deltoid muscle.
-Wrist flexor tendon transfer to middle, ring, & pinky finger extensors.
Surgical medical facility:
Brachial Plexus Clinic at The Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN
(all surgeries successful)
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
~Theodore Roosevelt - Location: Los Angeles, California USA
Re: New device offers a glimmer of hope for victims of spinal injuries
Looks very interesting. Good info.
Sue
Sue