gms | German Medical Science

133. Kongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Chirurgie

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Chirurgie

26.04. - 29.04.2016, Berlin

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ActiGait implantable drop foot stimulator in multiple sclerosis – a new indication

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  • Klaus Daniel Martin - Klinikum Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Neurochirurgie, Dresden, Deutschland
  • Witold Polanski - Klinikum Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Neurochirurgie, Dresden, Deutschland
  • Anne-Kathrin Schulz - Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Neurochirurgie, Dresden, Deutschland
  • Michael Jöbges - Brandenburgklinik, Neurorehabilitation, Wandltiz-Bernau, Deutschland
  • Judith Eisele - Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Neurochirurgie, Dresden, Deutschland
  • Katja Thomas - Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Neurochirurgie, Dresden, Deutschland
  • Tjalf Ziemssen - Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Neurochirurgie, Dresden, Deutschland
  • Gabriele Schackert - Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Neurochirurgie, Dresden, Deutschland
  • Thomas Pinzer - Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Neurochirurgie, Dresden, Deutschland
  • Stephan Sobottka - Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Neurochirurgie, Dresden, Deutschland

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Chirurgie. 133. Kongress der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Chirurgie. Berlin, 26.-29.04.2016. Düsseldorf: German Medical Science GMS Publishing House; 2016. Doc16dgch142

doi: 10.3205/16dgch142, urn:nbn:de:0183-16dgch1425

Published: April 21, 2016

© 2016 Martin et al.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. See license information at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

Outline

Text

Background: A direct stimulation of the peroneal nerve by ActiGait implantable drop foot stimulator is a potent therapy, which was already described for stroke related drop foot.

Materials and methods: We firstly report the successful application of ActiGait implantable drop foot stimulator in 6 patients with MS. Six patients with a stable MS and a 2-year persisting spastic leg paresis received an implantable ActiGait drop foot stimulator after successful surface test stimulation. Six weeks after operation, the stimulator was activated and the gait was evaluated with a 1 year follow up. Patients’ satisfaction was assessed due to a questionnaire.

Results: In 20 meter gait test and timed up and go test, stimulation with ActiGait significantly reduced the needed time about on average 21.7 % and 46.1 %. The median covered distance of stimulated patients after 6 minutes walking increased significantly from 217 meters to 321 meters, even compared to surface stimulation (264 meters). Patients with an implanted ActiGait stimulator noticed a pronounced improvement of mobility, social participation and quality of life.

Conclusion: The ActiGait implantable drop foot stimulator improved gait speed and endurance and quality of life in all patients. It may serve as a new therapeutic option in patients with MS related drop foot.