Gluteal neuromuscular stimulation in therapy and prophylaxis of recurrent sacral pressure ulcers.
METHODS
Case study.


OBJECTIVE
Positive influence of electrostimulation on the healing process of the gluteal decubital ulcers.


METHODS
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cologne, Germany.


METHODS
The present study reports on the effects of the electrostimulation of the floor-of-the-pelvis-muscles by means of an anal electrode. This procedure was shown to have a positive influence on the healing process of the gluteal decubital ulcers sustained by a patient with incomplete sensomotor paraplegia. Apart from the contraction of the floor-of-the-pelvis-muscles, we observed a contraction of the gluteal muscles on both sides.


RESULTS
The ulcers, which had been resisting conventional treatments for months, showed signs of a beginning healing tendency. After 4 weeks both ulcers were completely healed up.


CONCLUSIONS
Because of its easy handling and its good amicability, electrostimulation of the gluteal region - one of the most common localisations of pressure-caused ulcers - by means of an anal electrode might be put to good effect even in prophylaxis in the treatment of paraplegic patients.
Lippert-Grüner
M
M
Klinik für Allgemeine Neurochirurgie der Universität zu Köln, Joseph-Stelzmannstr, Köln, Germany.
D000328:Adult; D002081:Buttocks; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000628:therapy; D011312:Pressure / Q000009:adverse effects; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000628:therapy*; D012008:Recurrence