New Spinal Cord Technologies – “eLEGS”

New technologies offer the potential to dramatically improve the quality of life for victims of Spinal Cord Injuries. One such technology under development is known as the "eLEGS"—exoskeletons for wheelchair users that reportedly power paraplegics to get up, stand, and walk. The technology recently made headlines when Berkeley Bionics CEO Eythor Bender presented the "wearable robots" exoskeleton at the February 2011 TED Conference in Long Beach, California.



The presentation of eLEGS, described as "wearable, powered and artificially intelligent devices called exoskeletons" hit an emotional peak when Amanda Boxtel made a physical demonstration. Confined to a wheelchair, Boxtel said that it was the first time she had walked in over 19 years. When 24 years old, Boxtel experienced a freak somersault accident while downhill skiing that paralyzed her from the waist down. Doctors informed her that she would "never walk again". This "robbed every ounce of hope from my being", Boxtel said.



According to the presentation, Boxtel spent only 12 hours using eLEGS before "re-learning" how to walk using her legs. This technology has opened a "brand new chapter of mobility" for victims of Spinal Cord Injuries, states Bender. The technology is described as "completely non-invasive", with sensors in the crutches that send signals back to a "backpack" or onboard computer. The "backpack" also has a battery pack to power the motors that sit on the user’s hips and knee joints. These robotic motors move the user forward "in a smooth and natural gate".



With roughly 68 million wheel chair users worldwide, there is a real need for continued research and development in the realm of spinal cord injury rehabilitation. In Canada alone, almost 35 people per million population become victims of spinal cord injury each year, as a result of motor-vehicle accidents, violence, falls, or a number of other traumatic events. Innovative treatments and technologies can work to improve the life and offer hope to people suffering from spinal cord injuries.



Jim Kiani



Ottawa Ontario Personal Injury Lawyer David Hollingsworth has been helping Ottawa and Ontario accident victims since 1999. With his extensive experience and knowledge of relevant spinal cord injury and catastrophic injury issues, he has recovered millions of dollars in settlements on behalf of his personal injury clients. David has the experience and skill to obtain maximum compensation for his personal injury clients. David offers free consultations and makes home visits or hospital visits. Visit www.ottawainjury.ca for more information. David understands, he cares and he is here to help.

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