New Device Helps Foot Drop Patients Get Back In Step

By Jon Karroll j.karroll@krdo.com

COLORADO SPRINGS – If you thought the Bionic Man was pure science fiction, think again! A local rehabilitation hospital is making great strides in putting bio-technology to good use.

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital is now using the Bioness L-300 to help patients with foot drop. Foot drop can be caused by a number of central nervous system injuries including multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain injury, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injury. The patient typically is unable to raise their foot while walking. The Bioness device electrically stimulates the muscles of the lower leg. Physical therapist Suzie McKenna explains how it works. “It causes the foot to come up as they want to take a step so that when they take a step their heel will touch first instead of their toes dragging underneath behind them.”

M.S. patient Carol Lichtward demonstrated the Bioness L-300 for NEWSCHANNEL 13, first walking several steps without the device, then again with the device turned on. The difference was easy to see. “I think I’m just more mobile with this and I just like it better and, you know, it gets me around” says Carol. Therapist Suzie McKenna adds “we’ve seen phenomenol results, quality of life changes for people that couldn’t go up and down stairs can now go up and down stairs, they couldn’t walk on ramps or curbs, grass, can now do that.”

The Bioness L-300 needs to be prescribed and initially supervised by a medical professional. For more information call HealthSouth Rehabilitation at (719) 630-2334