April 4, 2024 – Today is the National Day for People with a Spinal Cord Injury
Together with our Clinical Director, Dr. Franco Molteni, we have assessed the situation regarding research in the rehabilitation of these patients.
- In 2013, the ReWalk Personal Exoskeleton was developed. It was the first exoskeleton that allowed patients to engage in activities outside of the rehabilitation clinic. Three years later, it was the turn of Ekso Bionics, the exoskeleton that allowed patients with cervical injuries to walk. Today, the latest generation of exoskeletons is represented by Wandercraft Atalante, which allows ambulation without any support and is also designed for home use.
- Over the years, treatment perspectives have significantly improved. Especially, the ease with which patients use exoskeletons and their ability to interact with the environment in which they live have increased. This is demonstrated by Wandercraft Atalante, which guarantees the individual their own balance and, consequently, the possibility to explore space without the need for crutches or a walker.
- One of the most intriguing treatment perspectives involves the integration of implantable neuromodulation systems and collaborative exoskeletons: the former directly stimulate spinal cord regrowth, while the latter remodel the plasticity induced by neuromodulation. In addition to this, regenerative medicine comes into play. Progress on humans is still to be verified, but the hypothesis is that it will be used within the next three years. The synergy among exoskeletons, implantable systems, and regenerative medicine is radically changing the perspectives on treatment.
- To add to all this, an interesting fact is that spinal cord injuries are increasingly incomplete. This is attributed to the enhancement of protection systems in cars and motorcycles, as well as the improved capability of neurosurgical intervention immediately after the trauma. Good news! When the injury is incomplete, the biological margins for redirecting neuronal regrowth are greater.
