Gluteal neuromuscular stimulation in therapy and prophylaxis of recurrent sacral pressure ulcers

Abstract

Study design: Case study. Objective: Positive influence of electrostimulation on the healing process of the gluteal decubital ulcers. Setting: Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cologne, Germany. Method: The present study reports on the effects of the electrostimulation of the floor-of-thepelvis-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-pelvismuscles, 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. Conclusion: 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.