The BION devices: injectable interfaces with peripheral nerves and muscles.

Neurosurg Focus

Alfred Mann Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-1112, USA.

Published: May 2006

Object: The purpose of this study was to describe a novel technology for implantable neuromuscular stimulation to treat complications of paralysis and disuse atrophy, including shoulder subluxation, hand contractures, drop foot, and osteoarthritis. The authors review the results so far of several pilot clinical studies of these muscle stimulation devices.

Methods: Miniature wireless stimulators received power and individually addressed command signals from an external radiofrequency transmission coil. One or more implants were injected through a 12-gauge hypodermic insertion tool into muscles or adjacent to motor nerves, where they provided the means to activate the muscles in any desired pattern of intensity and frequency. Randomized controlled studies in small numbers of patients are underway to identify efficacy, acceptability, best methods of practice, and any design changes that may be required to improve the technology. Fifty patients have been enrolled in five studies; 35 patients have undergone implantation of a total of 79 BION1 devices. Comparisons with surface stimulation in patients who have suffered a stroke with shoulder subluxation and hand contractures show similar improvements in objective measures of efficacy but higher comfort levels for stimulation by implants.

Conclusions: Injected microstimulators represent a promising new class of technology for the rehabilitation of patients with upper motor neuropathies. As the technology evolves, practitioners may be able to use it to facilitate functional reanimation of paralyzed limbs.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.3171/foc.2006.20.5.3DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

shoulder subluxation
8
subluxation hand
8
hand contractures
8
patients
5
bion devices
4
devices injectable
4
injectable interfaces
4
interfaces peripheral
4
peripheral nerves
4
nerves muscles
4

Similar Publications

Background: Clavicle fractures are among the most common fractures seen in the emergency department. While acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries are much less common. However, ipsilateral combinations of these injuries are quite rare with only a few cases reported in the literature.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Anterior labroligamentous periosteal sleeve avulsion (ALPSA) lesions are associated with recurrent shoulder instability and higher rates of failure after capsulolabral repair compared with similarly treated Bankart lesions. Although these lesions can portend poor outcomes, there are limited data on the associated conditions and postoperative course in a young, active population.

Purpose: To evaluate the mid- to long-term clinical course and failure rates after ALPSA repairs and assess features associated with these outcomes.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

In this report, we present a case of a triple clavicle injury, acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation, a middle third clavicle fracture, and a sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) subluxation, and describe its successful surgical treatment. A 49-year-old female patient sustained a 3 m fall, resulting in direct trauma to her left shoulder. Initial radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans revealed a displaced middle third clavicle fracture, a high-grade ACJ dislocation, and a posterior SCJ subluxation.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: Shoulder dislocations in professional football are severe injuries with an increasing incidence and considerable layoff times. Unlike other football injuries, the mechanisms leading to shoulder dislocations are not well understood, which limits the development of targeted preventive measures. Thus, the aims of this study were: (1) to analyse injury mechanisms of shoulder dislocations in professional football, (2) to evaluate situational and (3) to assess kinematic patterns by performing a systematic video analysis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Sternoclavicular joint dislocation (SJD) is rare, and joint instability after dislocation easily leads to deformity, pain, and limitations in performing activities, often requiring surgical treatment. Currently, there is no ideal internal fixation method for SJD.

Case Presentation: We report the case of a 38-year-old female patient with anterior dislocation of the right sternoclavicular joint (SJ) caused by a car accident who underwent open reduction and internal fixation using the double plate technique combined with the cable technique.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!