• M Aach, R C Meindl, J Geßmann, T A Schildhauer, M Citak, and O Cruciger.
• Abteilung für Rückenmarkverletzte, Chirurgische Universitätsklinik und Poliklinik, BG-Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Deutschland, mirko.aach@bergmannsheil.de.
• Unfallchirurg. 2015 Feb 1;118(2):130-7.

BackgroundMobile exoskeletons are increasingly being applied in the course of rehabilitation and provision of medical aids to patients with spinal cord injuries.Objectives And MethodsThis article gives a description of the currently available exoskeletal systems and the clinical application including scientific and medical evidence, to derive recommendations regarding clinical practice of the various exoskeletons in the rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries.ResultsThe different systems represent a useful adjunct to the therapeutic regimen depending on the medical objectives. Posture-controlled exoskeletons in particular enable mobilization of patients with neurological gait disorders via direct motion support. In addition the neurologically controlled exoskeleton HAL® leads to functional improvements in patients with residual muscular functions in the chronic phase of spinal cord injury in terms of improved walking abilities subsequent to training. However, beneficial effects on bone density, bladder function and perfusion are conceivable but not yet adequately supported by evidence. Positive effects on spasticity and neuropathic pain are currently based only on case series or small clinical trials.ConclusionAlthough exoskeletons are not yet an established tool in the treatment of spinal cord injuries, the systems will play a more important role in rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries in the future. Neurologically controlled exoskeletons show beneficial effects in the treatment of acute and chronic spinal cord injuries and might therefore evolve to be a useful alternative to conventional locomotion training.

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