Spinal cord implant helps paralysed patients walk again

Breakthrough spinal cord implant technology is helping paralysed people regain mobility, with plans to miniaturise the device so it can be implanted in patients and controlled with a smartphone. — NeuroRestore/REUTERS

In 2017, Michel Roccati was in a motorbike accident that left his lower body completely paralysed. In 2020, he walked again, thanks to a breakthrough new spinal cord implant.

The implant sends electrical pulses to his muscles, mimicking the action of the brain, and could one day help people with severe spinal injuries stand, walk and exercise.