There is some very exciting news in the world of paralysis of the foot and leg. A condition called drop foot, a weakness of the muscles used to raise the foot and toes, can be the result of many different neurological problems. These problems include stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and others.
A new device called the Bioness L300 is a wireless device that attaches to the knee and the ankle and helps to move the foot using electrical impulses. The results have been startling. People who have struggled for decades are finally able to walk without braces or restrictions. This allows the patients to have more freedom and independence of movement. The new device also limits tripping and falling significantly, which is a big risk with a drop foot.
The Bioness L300 is still in very limited use at this time. The cost of the device is very serious drawback. The cost is around $6,000. That is the bad news. The good news is that as the technology improves the cost per unit will go down and in the near future the devices could be available for a much more reasonable price.
For those of us who grew up watching the Bionic Man it is so exciting to see technology helping solve some very complicated medical conditions.
The future is very bright.
Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com/
