Eskişehir hospital uses robotic rehabilitation for child with spina bifida

An 8-year-old girl named Buğlem Kısacık has begun a pediatric robotic walking rehabilitation program at Yunus Emre State Hospital in Eskişehir, Turkey. Buğlem was born with spina bifida, a condition where the spine and spinal cord do not fully close during fetal development.

Following a tendon transfer surgery at age seven to address walking and foot placement issues, Buğlem continued to face difficulties. The robotic rehabilitation program, which is planned to last approximately 1.5 months, uses a device that adjusts speed and support levels to the patient's specific needs. The treatment also incorporates games to encourage active participation.

Her grandmother, Canan Kısacık, reported that Buğlem has already shown significant progress, gaining the confidence to step on her feet more easily after previously being afraid of the pain. The goal of the therapy is to improve her walking mechanics and increase her independence in daily life.