An apparatus making possible restoration of simple functions of the tetraplegic hand

In the Rehabilitation Institute at Konstancin investigations and clinical tests have been carried out over the last ten years with a view to restoring the tetraplegic hand function by means of implanted stimulation of the peripheral nerves of the upper extremity. Lately, an apparatus for a tetraplegic has been constructed, based on patient controlled stimulation of the median and radial nerves. In this report the principle of the apparatus and also the initial clinical tests are discussed. Investigations carried out so far have demonstrated that grasping function of the hand is compatible with the projected programme and that the induced function of the hand is useful for the patient.