Abstract

Objectives: Evaluation of the use and acceptability of the Neuro Control Freehand system. Study design: A questionnaire was sent in a single mail shot to users of the system. Administration was by a 3rd party with anonymous returns. Setting: A supra regional spinal unit in the UK. Methods: The Freehand system is an implanted Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) device for restoration of lateral and palmar grasps following C5 or C6 tetraplegia. Results: Replies were received from seven users of the system who had an average experience of 23 months use. All used the system daily and had increased their range of activities of daily living skills. Some problems had been experienced with equipment reliability and skin allergy to the tape used to secure external components. Six users felt more confident when using the system and seven felt their quality of life had improved. Conclusion: The Freehand system provides increased function that is considered by its users to be of benefit. Sponsorship: This study was funded by the charity INSPIRE.