Friday, May 20, 2011

Paralysed US man can stand and move legs again - electrodes implanted in spine

An American man who was paralysed in a hit-and-run accident can stand up, move his toes, hips, knees and ankles and also walk on a treadmill while being supported after doctors implanted 16 electrodes in his spine.

Rob Summers, from Oregon, a baseball player who was part of the team that won the World College Series in 2006, was hit by a car five years ago and his spinal cord was damaged.

Doctors are careful to point out that this it is not a cure, but the procedure must give hope to people with similar injuries. Tests will be carried out soon on four more patients.

BBC STORY

DETAILS IN THE LANCET


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