Spinal Implant Breakthrough

Spinal Implant Breakthrough

A British man who had his spinal cord severed following a vehicle accident five years ago has regained the ability to walk due to a groundbreaking new implant, researchers reported yesterday. It marks the first time a patient with such an injury—which involves loss of motor and sensory function—has recuperated to the point where they may walk. Two other patients saw similar results.

In addition to vertebrae, the spinal column includes a large number of nerve fibers that communicate signals between the brain and the rest of the body (see more). A complete break in the spine effectively cuts communication across large parts of the central nervous system. The prototype device connects to patients’ severed nerve endings, transmitting and amplifying the signal from the brain. 

Scientists said the next step toward widespread adoption is longer-term trials that monitor the device’s effect on wider body function, including blood pressure.