In cases of spinal cord injury (SCI), functional electrical stimulation (FES) is based on the concept that a paralyzed muscle can be stimulated by small amounts of electric current in a coordinated fashion to produce functional movement. This article reviews the experience of the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital with the use of FES for restoring upper extremity function in children with cervical SCI at the C5/C6 level. In addition, restoration of the ability to stand and some limited upright mobility are available with an FES system for patients with complete or incomplete SCI. The ability of FES to restore bladder and bowel function is also described. The Philadelphia Shriners Hospital specifically has expertise in children described in this review article as well as experience in preclinical studies an applying FES technology in growing animals and in growing children.

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