Paralyzed man walks again after implant of electrodes in his spine
2 Min Read
A man who lost the ability to walk after an accident is taking his first steps, today, 5 years later, thanks to revolutionary new technology.
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This is the 1st time someone with a complete cut to their spinal cord can walk like this (Photo credit: EPFL/Alain Herzog/PA)
Michel Roccati, paralyzed for five years following a motorbike accident, with a completely severed spinal cord and no feeling at all in his legs, can walk again today, thanks to an electrical implant that was attached to his spine in surgery.
The electrical implant allows him to stand and move around on his feet, with the help of a walker.
For the first time ever, someone with a complete cut to their spinal cord can walk freely; with such an injury, it was impossible to walk like this before.
Researchers, whose findings were published in the journal Nature Medicine, say this is not a cure for spinal injury, but it is a technology that improves the health and quality of life of paralyzed patients, just like it did to another one, allowing him to become a father.
The implant is used by Rocatti in routine training and rehabilitation that helps him add strength to his muscles and stay fit. The patient assures that it has become a part of his daily life.
How does this implant work?
The system - created by neurosurgeon Prof Jocelyne Block and neuroscientist Prof Grégoire Courtine - uses a flexible electrode that is placed on top of the spinal cord nerves, underneath the vertebrae, and delivers pulses to spinal cord nerves that control various muscles in the torso and legs.
Software on a tablet controls the pulses by issuing instructions for a particular action, like walking, standing, moving legs for swimming, or cycling, for example.
"Thanks to this technology, we've been able to target individuals with the most serious spinal cord injuries," says Courtine, adding that "by controlling these implants, we can activate the spinal cord like the brain would do naturally to have the patient stand, walk, swim, or ride a bike."
To carry out any movement, the person needs to select the appropriate option from the tablet.
The performance improves with three or four months of practice and training, as shown with three patients who have been using the technology.
The tablet connects with a device that resembles a pacemaker in the patient's abdomen and sends signals to the implanted electrode.
