Weak Foot Dorsiflexion / Peroneusparese

Weak foot dorsiflexion – regain mobility with the innoSTEP-WL

The wireless foot drop system innoSTEP-WL uses functional electrostimulation to compensate weak foot dorsiflexion and improve the gait. Patients can benefit from a increased mobility and life quality: Electrodes placed on the skin transmit external electrical impulses to the peroneal nerve, this nerve in turn transmits the command to the muscles to contract causing the foot to be lifted. As a consequence, the innoSTEP-WL enables patients with weak foot dorsiflexion (or drop foot) a natural, secure gait. On the long term, functional electrical stimulation of the peroneal nerve and the associated stimulus transmission can promote the remodelling of neural pathways.

Treating children with the innoSTEP-WL

Because of its unique cuff, the innoSTEP-WL is also suited for treating children with weak foot dorsiflexion. It can be used from the age of 5 . Because of its low profile, children wearing the foot drop system are able to move around freely.

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What is weak foot dorsiflexion?

A weak foot dorsiflexion (fibular nerve/peroneal nerve paralysis or peroneal nerve paresis) refers to an injury to the peroneal nerve (nervus peroneus/nervus fibularis). Patients can no longer lift or roll their feet correctly when walking. This often results in an unsteady gait (which is known as foot drop) – every step requires the utmost attention, and is associated with a high risk of tripping or falling.

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How does peroneal nerve paralysis occur?

A peroneal nerve paresis can have a number of different causes, for example damage to brain and nerve cells resulting from a stroke, spinal disc herniation or trauma. Also neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease can lead to weak foot dorsiflexion – with the brain unable to control appropriate foot lifting.

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What is functional electrostimulation?

Functional electrostimulation (FES) describes a stimulation of nerves which leads to muscle contractions: Electrodes are placed on the skin and transmit external electrical impulses to nerves, which ultimately causes the contraction of the enervated muscle. FES can improve muscular strength and motoric control, reduce spasms and counter contractures of ligaments and tendons. Overarching objective is to restore the function and mobility of paralyzed extremities. The foot drop system (also called electrical orthesis) basically applies this to the leg affected by weak foot dorsiflexion. Thus, the patients benefit from an improved mobility and life quality.

Functional electrostimulation has basically two areas of application. Firstly, is it applied as rehabilitive therapy, often complemented by Biofeedback , in order to improve the motor skills. Secondly, functional electrostimulation can compensate limited mobility, for example a weak foot dorsiflexion.

Functional electrical stimulation for weak foot dorsiflexion
Indications and contraindications

Indications

• Multiple sclerosis
• Stroke (apoplexy)
• Parkinson's disease
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Spastic hemiplegia/Cerebral palsy
• Spinal disc herniation/Spinal cord injuries
• Incomplete tetraplegia
• Partial lower leg musculature paralysis
• Central leg muscle paresis

Contraindications

• Epilepsy
• Tumors
• Active implants (demand-pacemakers)
• Oedema
• Acute thrombosis