Candidates for the system are individuals who have dropped foot resulting from a stroke. The following list includes some of guidelines for patient selection:
- A single dropped foot resulting from an upper motor neurone lesion.
- Are able to stand up from a seated position and walk at least 50m with an appropriate walking aid.
- Medically stable or at least 1 year post injury.
STIMuSTEP is NOT SUITABLE for patients with the following characteristics:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Patients on immunosuppressive therapy
- Recent infection, particularly MRSA infection; if MRSA infection has occurred 3 clear swabs after successful treatment are required.
- Poorly controlled epilepsy.
- Cardiac demand pacemakers.
- Peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic nerve, common peroneal nerve or its branches.
- Spinal cord lesions below T12.
- Any medical condition that would exclude the use of a surgical procedure or anesthetic.
- If the use of surface stimulation produces autonomic dysreflexia (increased blood pressure, sweating, in response to stimulation).
- Fixed contractures of the Achilles tendon that prevents passive dorsiflexion of the foot.
- Pregnancy - the effect of use of the device on the unborn child in pregnancy is unknown.
Further Information
Clinical paper references relating to STIMuSTEP, the dropped foot stimulator.
The implantation of this device will take roughly 1 hour. This surgery requires specialist training to build up knowledge of this system. The ideal surgical team would be a neuro/plastic surgical team to successfully implant and monitor the patient before, during and after the operation.
What to do Next?
For more information on training and the system, please contact us.
Related Topics
Foot Drop Management, Post stroke read more here