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

Abstract

Case study. Positive influence of electrostimulation on the healing process of the gluteal decubital ulcers. Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cologne, Germany. 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. 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. 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.