Russian child uses a walker after spinal stimulation and rehabilitation in Hangzhou

A 12-year-old Russian girl named Vera was able to walk using a walker three months after spinal neural-interface implantation and rehabilitation at the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (SAHZU). The hospital’s September 4, 2026 report describes her selection for treatment, the implant and the stage of recovery reached at that time.

Remote assessment before travelling

A road accident had caused a severe spinal cord injury and lower-limb paralysis. After treatment at several Russian institutions had not restored meaningful leg movement, Vera’s family contacted SAHZU’s Global Health Department.

A multidisciplinary team assessed her records remotely, considering the potential risks of treatment and whether a long journey was feasible. Vera travelled to Hangzhou in early April 2026. In hospital, electrical stimulation at cortical, cervical and thoracic levels, combined with electromyography, was used to evaluate neural conduction. The assessment confirmed an incomplete injury, with some pathways still intact.

Implantation combined with rehabilitation

The team placed stimulating electrodes on the dorsal side of the spinal cord and implanted a synchronized pulse generator. According to the hospital, the system supports remaining neural signals rather than replacing the brain’s movement commands. Rehabilitation was part of the treatment process.

Because Vera was still growing, electrode positioning and fixation were designed to accommodate future increases in height. The hospital also described separate control of left and right leg movements and the use of artificial-intelligence algorithms to adjust stimulation parameters for her gait.

Recovery milestones and the clinical setting

At one month, Vera could stand steadily with assistive devices. Sensation in the soles of her feet gradually returned and hip movement improved. At three months, she could move forward with a walker using voluntary movement. Walking without the walker and greater independence in daily activities remained future goals.

The hospital reported that more than 20 patients had undergone the procedure, with differing degrees of recovery during rehabilitation. In April 2026 it opened an integrated clinical research ward for epidural electrical stimulation surgery and postoperative rehabilitation at its Bo’ao Campus Pan-Vascular and Metabolic Center.