Pulley System Could Alleviate Nerve Damage

Pulley System Could Alleviate Nerve Damage
Sep-28-14
An implanted pulley mechanism could offer people suffering from nerve damage in the hands new options for treatment—and could eventually be applied to other joints in the body.

Current tendon-transfer surgeries for restoring the hand's grip involve reattaching the finger tendons to a functioning muscle. However, that technique still leaves the hand impaired and requires that the fingers all move together rather than separately.
The new system, developed by a team from Oregon State University, aims to provide a greater level of relief by taking advantage of a basic pulley system that allows better gripping with less muscle energy. The device requires no sensor, electricity or motor—relying instead upon the natural structure of the body—and is able to reduce the amount of force needed to grip an object by 45 percent.

The team also believes the technology could be developed for application in other damaged joints, such as ankles and knees.

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[MEDGADGET.COM]
[OREGONSTATE.EDU]
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