[P2-16] Using a single-joint Hybrid Assistive Limb（HAL-SJ）on a 4-year-old boy with acute flaccid paralysis: A case report
【Introduction】The single-joint Hybrid Assistive Limb(HAL-SJ) can improve a patient’s leg movement when his injury is to the nervous system. Recently, reports of HAL-SJ usage have increased, but remain rare in childhood cases.
【Methods and Patient】The patient was a 4-year-old boy who developed sudden onset weakness to the right leg following respiratory symptoms. We diagnosed acute flaccid paralysis (AFP); MRI testing showed swelling of the lower spinal cord from L2 to L4. The cause of this swelling was not detected and steroid pulse therapy, acyclovir, and intravenous immune globulin treatments were all ineffective. Loss of muscle strength was progressive and continued to spread to the left leg even after treatment was completed. Acute phase rehabilitation was also introduced during treatment, but lower limb muscle strength did not improve, and therefore, HAL-SJ was introduced. HAL-SJ’s adult arm attachment could be adapted to only the left leg where a bio-electric signal was confirmed. After training with HAL-SJ, muscle strength in the left leg improved gradually.
【Conclusion】HAL-SJ can be used only at hospitals with the proper facilities and adapting it to children can create physical and behavioral issues. Nevertheless, HAL-SJ usage is expected to spread and to be recognized as a safe and effective treatment for various neurological diseases, including AFP.
【Methods and Patient】The patient was a 4-year-old boy who developed sudden onset weakness to the right leg following respiratory symptoms. We diagnosed acute flaccid paralysis (AFP); MRI testing showed swelling of the lower spinal cord from L2 to L4. The cause of this swelling was not detected and steroid pulse therapy, acyclovir, and intravenous immune globulin treatments were all ineffective. Loss of muscle strength was progressive and continued to spread to the left leg even after treatment was completed. Acute phase rehabilitation was also introduced during treatment, but lower limb muscle strength did not improve, and therefore, HAL-SJ was introduced. HAL-SJ’s adult arm attachment could be adapted to only the left leg where a bio-electric signal was confirmed. After training with HAL-SJ, muscle strength in the left leg improved gradually.
【Conclusion】HAL-SJ can be used only at hospitals with the proper facilities and adapting it to children can create physical and behavioral issues. Nevertheless, HAL-SJ usage is expected to spread and to be recognized as a safe and effective treatment for various neurological diseases, including AFP.