¹Klinik für Allgemeine Neurochirurgie der Universität zu Köln, Joseph-Stelzmannstr, Köln, Germany

Correspondence: M Lippert-Grüner, Klinik für Allgemeine Neurochirurgie der Universität zu Köln, Joseph-Stelzmannstr 9, Köln 50931, Germany

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-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.

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.