Experience of using the passive exoskeleton EXAR-34 in complex rehabilitation of a patient with post-traumatic plexopathy due to gunshot cervicothoracic wound (clinical observation)

Abstract

The use of passive exoskeletons is a promising direction in the treatment of patients with severe combat injuries to the shoulder girdle, leading to disability in 30 % of cases. Aim: To demonstrate the capabilities of the passive exoskeleton EXAR-34 in the rehabilitation and habilitation of a victim with damage to the branches of the brachial nerve plexus. Materials and methods: An analysis of medical documentation, physical examination, morphometry, and goniometry were carried out. Clinical observation and discussion: A patient with post-traumatic left-sided plexopathy due to a gunshot perforating shrapnel cervicothoracic wound with gunshot fractures of the transverse processes of C6, C7, Th3 vertebrae, I–III ribs on the left after reconstructive intervention on elements of the brachial nerve plexus, when previously carried out rehabilitation measures were ineffective, during the first fitting of the EXAR-34 device, the range of active movements in the joints of the injured limb increased to 37,1–60,7 %, and routine motor skills were restored. Conclusion:The experience of using the EXAR-34 device demonstrates high promise in complex rehabilitation and habilitation of patients after reconstructive interventions on the brachial plexus for combat wounds.