Bioness, a medical device manufacturer based in Valencia, California, received approval from the United States food and Drug Administration for its L300 Foot Drop system. The L300 system is the first FDA-approved device designed for the treatment of children with Foot Drop, an orthopedic condition caused by brain injuries or cerebral palsy.

According to a press release by the company, the L300 sends low-voltage electrical impulses to specific nerves in the lower leg. These nerves directly control the muscle groups responsible for foot and leg movement.

Foot drop is a debilitating disease that can be caused by upper motor neuron injury, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy and stroke. Patients affected by this disease will have trouble walking and managing a normal gait.

The L300 comprises a wireless leg cuff worn below the knee, a shoe-based sensor and a specialised remote control. These devices work together to send signals when a patient walks.

Thomas Fogarty is the CEO and president of Bioness. In prepared remarks, he said, "Children who have traditionally relied on an orthosis or other compensatory aids now have a therapeutic treatment option that can help restore mobility and freedom in a non-invasive way.” He continued, "The L300 has helped thousands of adults regain mobility and now this same technology has the potential to provide pediatric patients with improved quality of life and a level of activity more closely associated with that of a child."

References

www.bioness.com/NewsMedia.php