Help For Patients With Spinal Cord Injuries

August 13, 2009
Source:  Central Florida News 13

ORLANDO — A local hospital is studying new technology developed at the University of Central Florida that could help patients with spinal cord injuries.

Therapists at Orlando Health Rehabilitation Institute are evaluating technology used to operate a robotic arm that could help patients with spinal cord injuries.

The robotic arm, known as the manus arm, is designed to help people with certain spinal cord injuries who have limited arm functions to help them with everyday tasks.

“We’re testing how they learn to use it, and which seems to work best with our patient population,” said Dr. David Portee, the medical director for the Orlando Health Rehabilitation Institute.

The manus arm has already received approval for use in Europe and is in the process of obtaining FDA approval for use in the United States.

It can be attached to the user’s wheelchair or even positioned near the patient.