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+--- Thread: We can rebuild them... SCI epidural stimulation (/showthread.php?tid=13071)
We can rebuild them... SCI epidural stimulation - RMH999 - 09-24-2018
https://www.theverge.com/2018/9/24/17896720/paralysis-spinal-cord-implant-walking-epidural-stimulation-device
Popular press explanation
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1803588
The actual paper
This comes out of the translational side of my department (I work at the lab rat/mouse level). But it's a continuation of successful work that they've been doing for 10 years now. They implant an off-the-shelf pain implant (designed to block nerve pain in the spinal cord by firing various electrical shocks to disrupt nerve impulses) and repurpose it by having it fire in particular patterns while giving the patient intense physical training. All of them recover at least some voluntary motor control while the stimulator is running (and cardiac function and a bunch of other benefits), and some can walk while the stimulator is going with a walker.
RMH
RE: We can rebuild them... SCI epidural stimulation - Black Aeronaut - 09-26-2018
This is amazing. Combine this with ITAP coupler prosthetics and we'll have bionic people in no time. (https://www.popsci.com/fda-approves-prosthetic-legs-anchor-directly-bone)