Article

In recent years, the use of functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the
peroneal nerve has increased as an alternative for an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO)
to treat stroke-related drop foot. We present a chronic stroke patient
demonstrating an almost normal gait pattern with peroneal FES as a
neuroprosthesis. A 60-year-old survivor of a right hemisphere infarction 21
months ago, who regularly used a polypropylene AFO, was provided with a
surface-based peroneal FES device for severe drop foot. In a second instance, he
received an implanted FES system because of skin problems with the surface
stimulator. With both FES devices, the patient achieved an adequate foot
elevation. Moreover, his hip and knee flexion angles during walking increased to
normal values and his ankle push-off power increased. His gait pattern became
almost symmetrical and less variable than with the AFO. Furthermore, his ability
to avoid a sudden obstacle improved to normal values with FES. Our patient showed
benefits from peroneal FES beyond what can be attributed to improved foot lift
alone. With regard to the potential working mechanisms underlying this response
to FES, biomechanical benefits related to improved ankle push-off are suggested
as the main mechanism.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS