K. Daniilidis

Funktionelle Elektrostimulation zur Therapie des neurogenen Fallfußes

INTRODUCTION Neurologic paralysis of the foot due to damage to the central nervous system is primarily caused by a cerebral insult. The ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), which is the classical conservative treatment option, is associated with drawbacks, e.g., increased contractures, limited mobilization from the sitting position, and cosmetic aspects. METHODS Functional external electrostimulation (FES) is an suitable treatment method for patients with a central lesion and intact peroneal nerve. Based on this method, the neuroprosthesis is a dynamic therapy option in the form of an implantable nerve stimulator (ActiGait® system, Otto Bock, Duderstadt, Germany) which is placed directly on the motor branch of the peroneus nerve and results in active foot lifting. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the clinical effect of the ActiGait® system with regard to its suitability for everyday use by means of gait tests with an emphasis on time-distance parameters and to compare it with the current literature. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION In this retrospective study, the clinical results after implantation of the ActiGait® system are presented and evaluated. In summary, the implantation of a neuroprosthesis in patients with stroke-related drop foot represents a sensible and promising therapy option.

Diagnostik und Therapie der Peronealsehnenerkrankungen

Erkrankungen der Peronealsehnen gehören zu den seltenen und — vielleicht gerade deshalb — häufig übersehenen Verletzungen im Bereich des Fußes [1]. Sie treten oft begleitend mit anderen Erkrankungen, zum Beispiel mit Bandläsionen oder Fehlstellungen des Sprunggelenks auf, was die Diagnostik erschwert.