Vera, 12, from Moscow: first steps with a walker after spinal-cord neural-interface surgery

Patient from

Russia

Vera

12 years old, Moscow, Russia

Condition

Thoracic spinal cord injury with lower-limb paraplegia (incomplete injury)

Treatment

Closed-loop spinal-cord neural interface implantation + rehabilitation

Hospital

The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine

City

Hangzhou

Before China

Vera was injured in a car accident in June 2025. The thoracic-level injury left her legs paralysed with little sensation below it. Local treatment in Russia offered limited hope, so her family — with help from the Russian Embassy in China — contacted the International Medical Service Department at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University.

Getting care in China

After remote multidisciplinary consultations on travel feasibility and risks, Vera was admitted in April 2026. Electrical-stimulation and electromyography tests confirmed an incomplete injury with residual neural pathways, which met the criteria for the procedure.

Timeline

1. 1June 2025Car accident causes a thoracic spinal cord injury.
2. 2April 2026Admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University after remote consultations.
3. 3April 11, 2026Closed-loop spinal-cord neural interface implanted by Prof. Zhu Junming’s team.
4. 4One month later: stands steadily with aids. Three months later: walks 10+ metres with a walker.

Outcome

One month after surgery she could stand steadily with aids and had regained sensation in the soles of her feet. At three months she took voluntary steps with a walker for more than 10 metres. She was preparing to return to Russia with a home rehabilitation plan and online follow-ups. Results differ from patient to patient.

Each story is one person’s reported experience, not a promise of results. Outcomes differ with diagnosis and the individual. This is not medical advice; treatment decisions are made with the treating hospital.