Electrostimulation of the median nerve in tetraplegics by means of implanted stimulators.

The effect of direct electrostimulation of the median nerve in a group of tetraplegic patients is described. In all cases there was an increase in the force, and a prolongation of the period of maintenance, of the maximum movement developed by the stimulated muscles. The method was considered to be sufficiently effective to indicate that programmed stimulation by implanted electrodes would permit functional use of the hand.