Hospital Marks 100th Patient Treated with Robotic Technology
11/18/2022
The Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Wayne recently began treating the 100th patient with its robotic exoskeleton, which is the only one like it in the region used to help patients with stroke, spinal cord and acquired brain injuries regain mobility.
The wearable medical device the hospital acquired in February 2021 helps patients relearn to stand and walk earlier in their rehabilitation process with therapists. Patients are strapped into the suit while motors help drive hip and knee joints. Software connected to the device can be adjusted based on a patient’s needs and tailored for each session.
The 100th patient treated with the technology is Fort Wayne resident Shirley Brookshire Hicks, who recently suffered a stroke and is using the exoskeleton to gain more confidence standing and walking as part of her physical therapy at the Rehabilitation Hospital.
“By getting patients like Shirley waking earlier in their rehabilitation process with the exoskeleton, we can help them improve walking speed and distance, which are critical to achieving the best possible recovery,” said Greg Parrett, the hospital’s director of therapy. “The exoskeleton software enables our therapists to customize the treatment, ensuring patients are engaged and the device is challenging their body as treatment progresses.”
Training with the wearable device is one of the latest advancements in stroke treatment and neurorehabilitation, helping increase a patient’s strength, which improves step patterns, weight shifting and posture. Most patients are able to take an average of 400 steps their first time training in the device.
The exoskeleton medical device at the Rehabilitation Hospital is approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for use with stroke and certain spinal cord injuries and is the only exoskeleton with FDA approval for use with acquired brain injury patients. For more information about the robotic exoskeleton and other services available at the Rehabilitation Hospital, visit rehabhospital.com/rehab-services.
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